Podocnemis expansa
The South America river turtle is a freshwater species with a hard, large shell that varies in color from dark gray to brown or olive green and can reach a length of 89 centimeters. It displays sexual dimorphism. This species inhabits large rivers such as the Orinoco and the Amazon. During its juvenile stage, it is omnivorous, feeding on stems, leaves, and invertebrates. As an adult, it becomes herbivorous, contributing to seed dispersal.
Mass nesting occurs during the dry season when river levels drop, exposing sandy beaches. Clutches of up to 172 eggs have been reported, although the average clutch size for Colombia is around 80 eggs per nest.
The charapa is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In Colombia, it can be found in Amazonas, Arauca, Caquetá, Casanare, Guainía, Meta, Putumayo, Vaupés, and Vichada.
To support its conservation, WCS has been working closely with the community of La Virgen, a rural area in Cravo Norte, Arauca, developing conservation agreements and implementing a monitoring and protection plan for adult individuals during the nesting season.
Foto: Mauricio Correa
Among the most significant outcomes, there has been a decrease in the hunting of adult charapas and the poaching of nests during the species' reproductive season.
Additionally, the Proyecto Vida Silvestre organizes the Charapa Festival, a cultural event through which the community actively contributes to the species' conservation and highlights its importance for the region.
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