Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle
18-11-2023
1 min read
Overview:
In the Peruvian Amazon, an extended heat wave and drought have shortened the incubation period for thousands of yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle hatchlings released into the river by biologists as part of a local environmental program.
About Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle
- It is also known as side-necked turtles which cannot retract their head into their shell.
- Hatchlings have very obvious yellow spots on their heads, which shrink as they grow.
- It has brown or olive-colored shells, and is known for their distinctive yellow spots and black scales.
- Males keep some of the yellow spotting; females lose their spots altogether.
- Native Habitat
- These are native to the Amazon River basin and can be found in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems in Venezuela, eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, the Guianas, Brazil and northern Bolivia.
- These turtles spend time basking along the riverbanks and in the calm waters of big rivers and streams.
- They avoid fast-moving waters.
- They are omnivorous, feeding on both vegetation and small animals.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
Q1) Where is the Orinoco River?
It is one of South America's major rivers, flowing through Venezuela and Colombia. It's one of the continent's longest rivers, spanning approximately 1,700 miles.Originating in the Venezuelan Guiana Highlands, the Orinoco flows in a northeast direction, passing through various terrains, including tropical rainforests, savannas (known as llanos), and marshes.
Source: We're releasing life': Heatwave speeds turtle hatching in Peru
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