Amazon River Turtle: Shy Giant of the Rivers

The Amazon, home to aquatic mysteries, harbors the imposing Amazon River Turtle, a species that dives into the waters of the Amazon River, surprising with its size and intriguing behavior.

A Shy Giant:

Imagine a turtle that can reach a meter in length and weigh over 100 kilograms! The Amazon River Turtle is exactly that. Despite its impressive stature, it is known for its shyness, rarely venturing out of the waters that protect it so well.

The Reproduction Ritual:

During the breeding season, female Amazon River Turtles emerge from the waters to deposit their eggs on the beaches formed along the banks of the Amazon River. Resembling large sea turtles, these eggs are carefully buried, and the mothers quickly return to the waters, leaving behind a legacy buried in the sand.

Challenges and Threats:

Unfortunately, unlike their marine counterparts, Amazon River Turtles face significant challenges. Pollution, similar to that affecting the pink river dolphin, has become a growing threat. Surprisingly, there is still no dedicated protection project for these magnificent creatures.

The Need for Protection:

With only 5% of hatchlings surviving, the Amazon River Turtle faces an uncertain future. The lack of a protection project further increases the vulnerability of this unique species. Awareness and preservation actions are crucial to ensure that this shy giant does not disappear from the rivers it calls home.