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  • Camp cooking<br />
Peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris)<br />
Rewa Head River trip<br />
Rainforest<br />
GUYANA. South America
    1RW1602 Camp cooking.jpg
  • Rajusthani pastoralist preparing his camels for the day at the Pushkar camel and livestock fair which takes place in the Hindu month of Kartik (October / November) ten days after Diwali (Festival of Lights). Pushkar has always been the the region's main market for herdsman and farmers buying and selling camels, horses, indigenous breeds of cattle and even elephants. Over the years this annual trading event has increased in volume to become one of the largest in Asia. Temporary tents and campsites suddenly appear to accomodate the thousands of pilgrims, villagers and tourists. Entertainers and contests abound and a festive funfair atmosphere prevails over Pushkar during the Mela's 2 week duration. Thousands of men come first with their camels, horses and cattle and camp on the dunes to transact business. 3 days before the full moon the women arrive beautifully attired. The town of Pushkar is one of the holiest centers of Hinduism and houses one of the few Brahma Temples in India. It is one of the 5 essential pilgrimage centers which a Hindu must visit in his lifetime along with Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram and Dwarka. The 12 day fair culminates in a religious Hindu pilgrimage and reaches a crescendo on the night of the full moon (Purnima) when pilgrims take a dip in the holy lake.  <br />
Pushkar, Rajasthan. INDIA
    IND1322_Rajusthani_pastoralist_&_cam...tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus vandenburghi) in the 'campsite'<br />
Alcedo Volcano crater floor, Isabela Island<br />
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
One of 11 sub-species survising in the islands. This is an example of the dome-shaped sub-species. Alcedo hosts over half the 15,000 tortoises left in Galapagos. All tortoises were heavy hunted for food in the past. Dome-shaped males are double the size of the females. Males stay mainly in the highlands while females migrate towards the coast when they need to lay eggs.
    1G3577_Giant_tortoise_in_Campsite.jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus vandenburghi) and fumaroles.<br />
Alcedo Volcano crater floor, Isabela Island<br />
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
One of 11 sub-species survising in the islands. This is an example of the dome-shaped sub-species. Alcedo hosts over half the 15,000 tortoises left in Galapagos. All tortoises were heavy hunted for food in the past. Dome-shaped males are double the size of the females. Males stay mainly in the highlands while females migrate towards the coast when they need to lay eggs.
    1G3777_Giant_tortoise_&_fumaroles.jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus vandenburghi) and fumaroles.<br />
Alcedo Volcano crater floor, Isabela Island<br />
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
One of 11 sub-species survising in the islands. This is an example of the dome-shaped sub-species. Alcedo hosts over half the 15,000 tortoises left in Galapagos. All tortoises were heavy hunted for food in the past. Dome-shaped males are double the size of the females. Males stay mainly in the highlands while females migrate towards the coast when they need to lay eggs.
    1G3169_Giant_tortoise_&_fumaroles.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus vandenburghi) in the 'campsite'<br />
Alcedo Volcano crater floor, Isabela Island<br />
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
One of 11 sub-species survising in the islands. This is an example of the dome-shaped sub-species. Alcedo hosts over half the 15,000 tortoises left in Galapagos. All tortoises were heavy hunted for food in the past. Dome-shaped males are double the size of the females. Males stay mainly in the highlands while females migrate towards the coast when they need to lay eggs.
    1G3559_Giant_tortoise_in_Campsite.jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus vandenburghi) and fumaroles.<br />
Alcedo Volcano crater floor, Isabela Island<br />
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
One of 11 sub-species survising in the islands. This is an example of the dome-shaped sub-species. Alcedo hosts over half the 15,000 tortoises left in Galapagos. All tortoises were heavy hunted for food in the past. Dome-shaped males are double the size of the females. Males stay mainly in the highlands while females migrate towards the coast when they need to lay eggs.
    1G3980 Giant tortoise & fumaroles.jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus vandenburghi) and Steam Vent.<br />
Alcedo Volcano crater floor, Isabela Island<br />
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
One of 11 sub-species survising in the islands. This is an example of the dome-shaped sub-species. Alcedo hosts over half the 15,000 tortoises left in Galapagos. All tortoises were heavy hunted for food in the past. Dome-shaped males are double the size of the females. Males stay mainly in the highlands while females migrate towards the coast when they need to lay eggs.
    1G3629_Giant_tortoise_&_Steam_Vent.jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus vandenburghi) and fumaroles.<br />
Alcedo Volcano crater floor, Isabela Island<br />
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
One of 11 sub-species survising in the islands. This is an example of the dome-shaped sub-species. Alcedo hosts over half the 15,000 tortoises left in Galapagos. All tortoises were heavy hunted for food in the past. Dome-shaped males are double the size of the females. Males stay mainly in the highlands while females migrate towards the coast when they need to lay eggs.
    1G3169 Giant tortoise & fumaroles.jpg
  • Safari vehicle<br />
Ngaga Camp<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130529_Safari_vehicle__Ngaga_Camp_...jpg
  • Guest cabin<br />
Ngaga Camp<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130527_Guest_cabin__Ngaga_Camp_1_©...jpg
  • Logging Camp<br />
Essequibo River<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    20151221_Logging_Camp_667.jpg
  • Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY3045 Temporary Fishing Camp.jpg
  • Logging Camp<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    20151209_Logging_Camp_420.jpg
  • Logging Camp<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    20151209_Logging_Camp_418.jpg
  • Putty-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans)<br />
Ngaga Camp<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Savannah & rain forests of West Africa
    20130611_Putty-nosed monkey_9_©Pete ...jpg
  • Putty-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans)<br />
Ngaga Camp<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Savannah & rain forests of West Africa
    20130611_Putty-nosed monkey_6_©Pete ...jpg
  • Sable cow<br />
Camp #6<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable cow_25_©Pete Oxford.jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_4...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_4...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_4...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_4...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_3...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_3...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_3...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_3...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles) & females<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_1...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_1...jpg
  • Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)<br />
Camp #2<br />
Exotic Game Breeders / Eden Farm<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
South Africa
    20130428_Sable Bull (Mr Bojangles)_8...jpg
  • African elephants (Loxodonta africana) drinking at Savuti Elephant Camp waterhole. Tourists are in a log pile hide at the waterhole.<br />
Savuti Channel in the Linyanti area.<br />
BOTSWANA. Southern Africa.<br />
HABITAT: Woodland savanna near water.<br />
STATUS: Botswana is one of the stongholds of the African elepant where their numbers are increasing.<br />
These are the world's largest land mammals with a shoulder height of 3 meters and weighing 6,000kg-male and 4,000-5,000kgs for females.<br />
Bulls and cows live in separate groups. Breeding herds generally consist of a dominant female or matriarch with a few closely related females and their offspring. Bulls are often found alone or in loosely bonded bachelor groups.<br />
Due to heavy poaching all over Africa CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) has banned the trade of ivory products. <br />
At the end of the dry season (around late October) there is very little water near available food so they have large distances to travel from the water in order to find enough food.
    DD35_African_elephants.jpg
  • Fish sun-drying<br />
Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY3074 Fish sun-drying.jpg
  • Fish sun-drying<br />
Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY3071 Fish sun-drying.jpg
  • Fish sun-drying<br />
Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY3067 Fish sun-drying.jpg
  • Fish sun-drying<br />
Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY3040 Fish sun-drying.jpg
  • Fish sun-drying<br />
Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY2989 Fish sun-drying.jpg
  • Fish sun-drying<br />
Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY2991 Fish sun-drying.jpg
  • Fish sun-drying<br />
Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY2987 Fish sun-drying.jpg
  • African elephants (Loxodonta africana) drinking at Savuti Elephant Camp waterhole. Tourists are in a log pile hide at the waterhole.<br />
Savuti Channel in the Linyanti area.<br />
BOTSWANA. Southern Africa.<br />
HABITAT: Woodland savanna near water.<br />
STATUS: Botswana is one of the stongholds of the African elepant where their numbers are increasing.<br />
These are the world's largest land mammals with a shoulder height of 3 meters and weighing 6,000kg-male and 4,000-5,000kgs for females.<br />
Bulls and cows live in separate groups. Breeding herds generally consist of a dominant female or matriarch with a few closely related females and their offspring. Bulls are often found alone or in loosely bonded bachelor groups.<br />
Due to heavy poaching all over Africa CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) has banned the trade of ivory products. <br />
At the end of the dry season (around late October) there is very little water near available food so they have large distances to travel from the water in order to find enough food.
    DD35_African_elephants.jpg
  • Fish sun-drying<br />
Temporary Fishing Camp<br />
Mapari River<br />
Mapari<br />
Rupununi<br />
GUYANA<br />
South America
    3GY3040 Fish sun-drying.jpg
  • African elephants (Loxodonta africana) drinking at Savuti Elephant Camp waterhole. Tourists are in a log pile hide at the waterhole.<br />
Savuti Channel in the Linyanti area.<br />
BOTSWANA. Southern Africa.<br />
HABITAT: Woodland savanna near water.<br />
STATUS: Botswana is one of the stongholds of the African elepant where their numbers are increasing.<br />
These are the world's largest land mammals with a shoulder height of 3 meters and weighing 6,000kg-male and 4,000-5,000kgs for females.<br />
Bulls and cows live in separate groups. Breeding herds generally consist of a dominant female or matriarch with a few closely related females and their offspring. Bulls are often found alone or in loosely bonded bachelor groups.<br />
Due to heavy poaching all over Africa CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) has banned the trade of ivory products. <br />
At the end of the dry season (around late October) there is very little water near available food so they have large distances to travel from the water in order to find enough food.
    DD34_African_elephants.jpg
  • Wilderness Safari guide<br />
(Stephanie Courtines)<br />
Ngaga<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130611_Tourism_in_Ngaga_105_©Pete_...jpg
  • Wilderness Safari guide<br />
(Stephanie Courtines)<br />
Ngaga<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130611_Tourism_in_Ngaga_103_©Pete_...jpg
  • Wilderness Safari guide<br />
(Stephanie Courtines)<br />
Ngaga<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130611_Tourism_in_Ngaga_101_©Pete_...jpg
  • Wilderness Safari guide<br />
(Stephanie Courtines)<br />
Ngaga<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130611_Tourism_in_Ngaga_99_©Pete_O...jpg
  • Wilderness Safari guide<br />
(Stephanie Courtines)<br />
Ngaga<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130611_Tourism_in_Ngaga_94_©Pete_O...jpg
  • Wilderness Safari guide<br />
(Stephanie Courtines)<br />
Ngaga<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130611_Tourism_in_Ngaga_93_©Pete_O...jpg
  • Wilderness Safari Pygmy guide<br />
(Norbert)<br />
Ngaga<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130611_Tourism_in_Ngaga_92_©Pete_O...jpg
  • Wilderness Safari guide & local Pygmy guide<br />
(Stephanie Courtines & Norbert)<br />
Ngaga<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130611_Tourism_in_Ngaga_68_©Pete_O...jpg
  • Gorilla tracking & sweat bees (Guillem Molina)<br />
Ngaga forest<br />
Republic of Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)<br />
AFRICA
    20130527_Gorilla_tracking_&_sweat_be...jpg
  • African Rock Python (Python sebae)<br />
Marataba, A section of the Marakele National Park<br />
Limpopo Province<br />
SOUTH AFRICA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Open Savannah & riverine scrub areas of Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa<br />
AFRICA'S LARGEST SNAKE
    20110117_African_Rock_Python_26.tif
  • Pete Oxford camping.<br />
Kidney Island. Off of East Falkland. FALKLAND ISLANDS.<br />
Kidney Island is a small tussac-covered island lying at the southern entrance of Berkeley Sound. This is a government owned Reserve and is free of introduced animals and as it has not been used for pasturage retains its original flora.
    KD670_Pete_Oxford.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2317_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1746_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river. Also animals that are subsequently caught by fishermen etc are marked
    OR1628_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)  CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 <br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1453_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) & Jose Belmejo. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 <br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1421_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1218_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1209_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1184_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Hector Tovar taking Biometric Data. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs)  Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1155_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa) being followed by Danielson LLorente<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR865_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtles sunning on sand bank (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR792_Giant_River_Turtles.jpg
  • Giant River Turtles sunning on sand bank (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR768_Giant_River_Turtles.jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle TRACKS (Podocnemis unifilis) from female ashore to lay eggs.<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 40cm, Wgt 9-12kg. Convex carapace widest at mid-point. Eggs oblong 11-32 per clutch. 50-70 days incubation. Herbacious plus carrion, molluscs, crustations & fish eggs.<br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR667_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtle_Tr...jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle TRACKS (Podocnemis unifilis) from female ashore to lay eggs.<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 40cm, Wgt 9-12kg. Convex carapace widest at mid-point. Eggs oblong 11-32 per clutch. 50-70 days incubation. Herbacious plus carrion, molluscs, crustations & fish eggs.<br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR655_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtle_Tr...jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle TRACKS (Podocnemis unifilis) from female ashore to lay eggs.<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 40cm, Wgt 9-12kg. Convex carapace widest at mid-point. Eggs oblong 11-32 per clutch. 50-70 days incubation. Herbacious plus carrion, molluscs, crustations & fish eggs.<br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR664_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtle_Tr...jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle TRACKS (Podocnemis unifilis) from female ashore to lay eggs.<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 40cm, Wgt 9-12kg. Convex carapace widest at mid-point. Eggs oblong 11-32 per clutch. 50-70 days incubation. Herbacious plus carrion, molluscs, crustations & fish eggs.<br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR647_Yellow-spotted_R._Turtle_Track...jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR551_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) ashore to lay eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Pararuma Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR450_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearling<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR282_Giant_River_Turtle_Yearlings.jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis)  CAPTIVE -REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 40cm, Wgt 9-12kg. Convex carapace widest at mid-point. Eggs oblong 11-32 per clutch. 50-70 days incubation. Herbacious plus carrion, molluscs, crustations & fish eggs.<br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR55_Giant_River_Turtle_yearling.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearling<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR29_Giant_River_Turtle_Yearlings.jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtles (Podocnemis unifilis)  CAPTIVE -REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 40cm, Wgt 9-12kg. Convex carapace widest at mid-point. Eggs oblong 11-32 per clutch. 50-70 days incubation. Herbacious plus carrion, molluscs, crustations & fish eggs.<br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR14_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtles.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning
    OR05_Giant_River_Turtle_Yearlings.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2183_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle nest cross section (Podocnemis expansa) & Jose Belmejo taking eggs for re-burial. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 <br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1549_Giant_River_Turtle_Nest_.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having carapace marked for future ID by Hidalgo Hector Tovar CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning
    OR1269_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1086_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) ashore to lay eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Pararuma Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR466_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Comparison between Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis)  CAPTIVE -REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR67_Turtle_Comparison.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2842_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2845_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2321_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2184_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Carapace (Podocnemis expansa) Eneida Marin (Project co-ordinator) showing Danielson Llorente & Franklin Tovar the way to mark the numeration. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
(mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1960_Giant_River_Turtle_Carapace.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1789_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1768_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1767_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1762_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1752_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1715_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1700_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having blood taken.  REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1684_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Franklin Tovar & Jose Belmejo taking Biometric Data. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs)  Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1679_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1658_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar & Eneida Marin (Co-ordinator of project)<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED<br />
Playita, Orinoco River, 110 Km n of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. S America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. Then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1619_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar & Eneida Marin (Co-ordinator of project)<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED<br />
Playita, Orinoco River, 110 Km n of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. S America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. Then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1615_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1593_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river. Also animals that are subsequently caught by fishermen etc are marked
    OR1614_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs & Simon Elayea.  CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1541_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
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