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  • Flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM065 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM045 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM086 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM077 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM074 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM052 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Bromeliad in flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM062 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Bromeliad in flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM056 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Bromeliad in flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM059 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM055 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Bromeliad in flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM073 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Bromeliad in flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM061 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Canoe moving through flooded Igapo forest.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America
    CRM044 Flooded Igapo forest.jpg
  • Cofan houses in Cuyabeno Reserve. Cuyabeno contains large tracts of permanently flooded forest. This reserve is 603,380 ha. and ranges in altitude from 200 - 280 meters. The reserve is classified as a tropical humid forest and contains a diversity of species as well as several Indian tribes such as the Cofan, Sionas, Secoyas, Shuar and Quichua.<br />
Amazon Rain Forest. ECUADOR. South America
    EH582 Cofan houses.jpg
  • Amazon Pink River Dolphins or Boutu (Inia geoffrensis) Cuyabeno Reserve. Cuyabeno contains large tracts of permanently flooded forest.<br />
Amazon Rain Forest. ECUADOR. South America<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Fresh water both turbid whitewaters and clear blackwaters. Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin & Madeira River of Bolivia.<br />
These are diurnal and nocturanal mammals. Often solitary or in groups of 2 - 4. They feed on fish, crabs and turtles. When they surface to breath only a small portion of their backs are visible. The young are usually dark gray. Their colors vary from pale to pink.
    EH493 Pink River Dolphins.jpg
  • Amazon Pink River Dolphin or Boutu (Inia geoffrensis) Cuyabeno Reserve. Cuyabeno contains large tracts of permanently flooded forest.<br />
Amazon Rain Forest. ECUADOR. South America<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Fresh water both turbid whitewaters and clear blackwaters. Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin & Madeira River of Bolivia.<br />
These are diurnal and nocturanal mammals. Often solitary or in groups of 2 - 4. They feed on fish, crabs and turtles. When they surface to breath only a small portion of their backs are visible. The young are usually dark gray. Their colors vary from pale to pink.
    EH130 Pink River Dolphin.jpg
  • Amazon Pink River Dolphin or Boutu (Inia geoffrensis) Cuyabeno Reserve. Cuyabeno contains large tracts of permanently flooded forest.<br />
Amazon Rain Forest. ECUADOR. South America<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Fresh water both turbid whitewaters and clear blackwaters. Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin & Madeira River of Bolivia.<br />
These are diurnal and nocturanal mammals. Often solitary or in groups of 2 - 4. They feed on fish, crabs and turtles. When they surface to breath only a small portion of their backs are visible. The young are usually dark gray. Their colors vary from pale to pink.
    EH118 Pink River Dolphin.jpg
  • Amazon Pink River Dolphin or Boutu (Inia geoffrensis) Cuyabeno Reserve. Cuyabeno contains large tracts of permanently flooded forest.<br />
Amazon Rain Forest. ECUADOR. South America<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Fresh water both turbid whitewaters and clear blackwaters. Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin & Madeira River of Bolivia.<br />
These are diurnal and nocturanal mammals. Often solitary or in groups of 2 - 4. They feed on fish, crabs and turtles. When they surface to breath only a small portion of their backs are visible. The young are usually dark gray. Their colors vary from pale to pink.
    EH167 Pink River Dolphin.jpg
  • Pink River Dolphin / Amazon Dophins / Boto<br />
Inia geoffrensis<br />
Mamiraua Flooded Forest, BRAZIL. South America<br />
RANGE: Amazon & Orinoco Drainages
    1072766 Pink River dolphin.tif
  • Pygmy Marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea)<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America<br />
Smallest true monkey in the world. <br />
RANGE: New World monkey native to the rainforest canopies of western Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia.
    CRM1170_Pygmy_Marmoset.tif
  • Pygmy Marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea)<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America<br />
Smallest true monkey in the world. <br />
RANGE: New World monkey native to the rainforest canopies of western Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia.
    CRM1284_Pygmy_Marmoset.jpg
  • Amazon Pink River Dolphin or Boutu (Inia geoffrensis) being hand fed.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Fresh water both turbid whitewaters and clear blackwaters. Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin & Madeira River of Bolivia.<br />
These are diurnal and nocturanal mammals. Often solitary or in groups of 2 - 4. They feed on fish, crabs and turtles. When they surface to breath only a small portion of their backs are visible. The young are usually dark gray. Their colors vary from pale to pink.
    CRM419 Pink River Dolphin.jpg
  • Pygmy Marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea)<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America<br />
Smallest true monkey in the world. <br />
RANGE: New World monkey native to the rainforest canopies of western Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia.
    CRM1170_Pygmy_Marmoset.jpg
  • Amazon Pink River Dolphin or Boutu (Inia geoffrensis) being hand fed.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Fresh water both turbid whitewaters and clear blackwaters. Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin & Madeira River of Bolivia.<br />
These are diurnal and nocturanal mammals. Often solitary or in groups of 2 - 4. They feed on fish, crabs and turtles. When they surface to breath only a small portion of their backs are visible. The young are usually dark gray. Their colors vary from pale to pink.
    CRM429 Pink River Dolphin.jpg
  • Amazon Pink River Dolphin or Boutu (Inia geoffrensis) being hand fed.<br />
Cocaya River. Eastern Amazon Rain Forest. Border of PERU &ECUADOR. South America<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Fresh water both turbid whitewaters and clear blackwaters. Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin & Madeira River of Bolivia.<br />
These are diurnal and nocturanal mammals. Often solitary or in groups of 2 - 4. They feed on fish, crabs and turtles. When they surface to breath only a small portion of their backs are visible. The young are usually dark gray. Their colors vary from pale to pink.
    CRM443 Pink River Dolphin.jpg
  • Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) CAPTIVE<br />
The Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve<br />
Telfair County. Georgia<br />
USA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Freshwater marshes, bogs, flooded forests and woodland streams from Southern Canada and Eastern USA<br />
IUCN STATUS: Vulnerable
    Clemmys_guttata_Pete_Oxford_107.jpg
  • Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) CAPTIVE<br />
The Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve<br />
Telfair County. Georgia<br />
USA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Freshwater marshes, bogs, flooded forests and woodland streams from Southern Canada and Eastern USA<br />
IUCN STATUS: Vulnerable
    Clemmys_guttata_Pete_Oxford_89.jpg
  • Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) CAPTIVE<br />
The Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve<br />
Telfair County. Georgia<br />
USA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Freshwater marshes, bogs, flooded forests and woodland streams from Southern Canada and Eastern USA<br />
IUCN STATUS: Vulnerable
    Clemmys_guttata_Pete_Oxford_79.jpg
  • Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) CAPTIVE<br />
The Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve<br />
Telfair County. Georgia<br />
USA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Freshwater marshes, bogs, flooded forests and woodland streams from Southern Canada and Eastern USA<br />
IUCN STATUS: Vulnerable
    Clemmys_guttata_Pete_Oxford_92.jpg
  • Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) CAPTIVE<br />
The Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve<br />
Telfair County. Georgia<br />
USA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Freshwater marshes, bogs, flooded forests and woodland streams from Southern Canada and Eastern USA<br />
IUCN STATUS: Vulnerable
    Clemmys_guttata_Pete_Oxford_106.jpg
  • Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) CAPTIVE<br />
The Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve<br />
Telfair County. Georgia<br />
USA<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Freshwater marshes, bogs, flooded forests and woodland streams from Southern Canada and Eastern USA<br />
IUCN STATUS: Vulnerable
    Clemmys_guttata_Pete_Oxford_1.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3399_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3392_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3256_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE Male for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR2815_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR2786_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR2784_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3273_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3221_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3397_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3248_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3250_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR3396_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile CHARGING (Crocodylus intermedius) CAPTIVE female for breeding to release young into the wild.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m. They dig nests both on sandy beaches or in soil. Laying 15-70 eggs. The females stay near the nests and protect the young. Nest are heavily predated upon by Crab eating foxes and Tegue Lizards.<br />
HABITAT: Prefer mouths of primary tributaries of large rivers and seem to much prefer rivers through the Orinoco Savannahs to those through Orinoco forests. Travel large distances during the winter months into areas of lagoons and lakes to avoid fast flowing currents of the main rivers.<br />
DISTIBUTION: Orinoco River of Colombia and Venezuela and Trinidad.<br />
The Llanos are flood plains stretching north of the Orinoco River to the Andean foothills, covering 300,000sq km in Venezuela and another 220,000 sq km in Colombia. This area has poor soil but is rich in its river systems which floods in the wet season leaving shallow marshes which nourish a high concentration of birds and animals.
    OR2965_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Amazon River Dolphin or Boto or Pink river Dolphin<br />
Inia geoffrensis<br />
Mamiraua Flooded Forest, BRAZIL<br />
RANGE: Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin & Madeira River
    1072767 Pink river dolphins.tif
  • 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) 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 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 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
  • 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 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.
    OR1762_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 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) 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) 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
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings having one or more toes removed for future ID. This will indicate the year they were released. 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
    OR1476_Giant_River_Turtle_Toe_Markin...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) yearlings having one or more toes removed for future ID. This will indicate the year they were released. 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
    OR1466_Giant_River_Turtle_Toe_Markin...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.
    OR1188_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 (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.
    OR1170_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.
    OR1126_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) being carried by Jose Belmejo. <br />
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. 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.
    OR1123_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) being carried by Jose Belmejo. <br />
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. 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.
    OR1118_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.
    OR1101_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La 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.
    OR1044_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Hector 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.
    OR1051_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La 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.
    OR1023_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La 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.
    OR974_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La 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.
    OR963_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La 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.
    OR960_Giant_River_Turtle.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.
    OR893_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.
    OR771_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
  • 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.
    OR747_Giant_River_Turtles.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.
    OR469_Giant_River_Turtle.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) 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.
    OR432_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
  • 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
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings & Danielson LLorente<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
    OR11_Giant_River_Turtle_Yearlings.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 (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.
    OR1783_Giant_River_Turtle.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.
    OR1736_Giant_River_Turtles.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
    OR1611_Giant_River_Turtle.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
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