Of the 360 species of continental or terrestrial turtles estimated to exist worldwide, more than half are endangered, according to a study published in the journal Current Biology and conducted by at least 50 experts from around the world. This figure places them among the vertebrate groups with the highest number of species at risk.
The disappearance of one or more species would mean losing millions of years of evolutionary history, but also compromising biodiversity elements that contribute to food chains (biomass), seed dispersal, and nutrient recycling in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Hunting (for trade and illegal trafficking) and habitat destruction—to make way for agriculture and livestock, or even for infrastructure projects such as roads or dams—are among the greatest pressures these reptiles face, mainly in America and Africa.
In Colombia, according to a study by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute, of the 27 continental turtle species inhabiting the country, 10 are under some degree of threat, with three of them on the brink of extinction.
Amid this challenging scenario, the WCS Continental Turtle Conservation Project is working to protect and restore wild populations of at least three endangered species (Magdalena River turtle, Carranchina turtle, and South America river turtle. This is achieved through science-based conservation of their ecosystems and habitats, always in collaboration with local communities.
Traslated with AI support