A species native to the Colombian Caribbean
The Carranchina turtle (Mesoclemmys dahli) is found exclusively in Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba, Magdalena, and Sucre, making it endemic to Colombia. It is distinguished by its large head in proportion to its shell, with tympanic membranes that represent 23-26% of its head length. This species inhabits small ponds, streams, and creeks, both temporary and permanent, in dry forests and hilly landscapes, including small valleys and mountains. It is omnivorous, feeding on snails, crustaceans, aquatic insects, tadpoles, frogs, fish larvae, small fish, carrion, and occasionally plant material. Through this diet, it contributes to insect population control, nutrient recycling, and seed dispersal.
Critically endangered due to habitat destruction
The Carranchina turtle is classified as Critically Endangered. One of its main threats is habitat destruction. For years, local residents have extracted sand from streams and creeks, disrupting the turtle's natural resting areas, in order to sell the material for profit. Additionally, deforestation has increased due to logging and land clearing for agriculture and livestock expansion. This habitat degradation has caused population fragmentation, leading to isolation among remaining groups. As a result, inbreeding (reproduction between close relatives) has become common, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. Inbreeding also increases their susceptibility to diseases, further endangering the species.
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