WCS Colombia, in collaboration with Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and Rainforest Trust, established La Carranchina Reserve by acquiring a rural property that has been transformed into a protected area for the species. This is the first and only reserve in Colombia dedicated to the conservation of this turtle.
The reserve is located in the municipality of San Benito Abad (Sucre), within the turtle’s natural distribution range.
According to landscape genetics studies, the Critically Endangered status of the species—recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—is primarily due to the fragmentation of its forest habitat. This has led to the division of its populations into at least six isolated groups, forcing individuals to reproduce with close relatives (inbreeding). As a result, there is an increased likelihood of genetic defects, which can lead to diseases, physical abnormalities, or even death.
Photo: Daniël Nelson
To mitigate this situation, the reserve has gradually introduced individuals from different population groups, ensuring that they are not genetically related. This strategy promotes a healthy and appropriate genetic exchange among the turtles.
Due to the destruction of their natural habitat, many Mesoclemmys dahli individuals have been forced to adapt to new environments, often attempting to survive in pastures, where their movement is severely restricted. The goal of this protected area is to restore and safeguard their habitat, while also providing new reproductive opportunities for turtles that have become isolated and now struggle to survive in altered landscapes.
Foto: Daniël Nelson
A monitoring program has also been implemented to assess whether the population begins to recover under protection. This initiative will serve as a case study, helping to clarify uncertainties and refine management strategies for Mesoclemmys dahli in other regions of northern Colombia.
In parallel, WCS Colombia collaborates with cattle ranchers to protect the remaining dry forest that has survived human interventions. Efforts are also focused on restoring riparian vegetation through agreements that allocate land for the conservation of this endangered turtle.
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