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  • 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.
    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.
    OR3256_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 (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 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.
    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.
    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 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
  • 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 juvenile.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
FUDECI (Fundacion para el Desarrollo de las Ciencias Fisicas, Matematicas y Naturales) an NGO rearing & reintroducing into the wild, Puerto Ayacucho, 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.
    OR1565_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 juvenile.<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
FUDECI (Fundacion para el Desarrollo de las Ciencias Fisicas, Matematicas y Naturales) an NGO rearing & reintroducing into the wild, Puerto Ayacucho, 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.
    OR1573_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Zerophytic Vegetation, Orinoco River Basin, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.
    OR1350_Orinoco_River_Basin.jpg
  • Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) Orinoco River, Apure Province. VENEZUELA South America<br />
CITIES 1 ENDANGERED SPECIES and almost extinct in the wild after being hunted for their skins.<br />
Males reach 6m & Females 3.5m.
    OR2251_Orinoco_Crocodile.jpg
  • Zerophytic Vegetation, Orinoco River Basin, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.
    OR1341_Orinoco_River_Basin.jpg
  • Zerophytic Vegetation, Orinoco River Basin, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.
    OR1317_Orinoco_River_Basin.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2824_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2328_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2258_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2200_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, seen from Cerro Perico in Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR1647_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Zerophytic Vegetation, Orinoco River Basin, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.
    OR1299_Orinoco_River_Basin.jpg
  • Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata)<br />
Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
Usually found in pairs along the river edge. They nest in the Llanos where they are very common.<br />
RANGE: Costa Rica to Central Argentina, Greater Antilles, Curacao, Trinidad. Africa south of the Sahara)
    OR921_Orinoco_Goose.jpg
  • Orinoco River with Castillos del Parhuaza Mountains in back, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR847_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River with Castillos del Parhuaza Mountains in back, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR638_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2300_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River with Castillos del Parhuaza Mountains in back, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2132_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR83_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR81_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River with Castillos del Parhuaza Mountains in back, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2890_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2293_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2288_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2261_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2283_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2264_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2273_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.
    OR1329_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.
    OR1309_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Orinoco River, seen from Cerro Perico in Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR1646_Orinoco_River.jpg
  • Jose Belmejo weighing Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and Hector Tovar looking on.  Part of 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. <br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_45.jpg
  • Jose Belmejo weighing Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)  Part of 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. <br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_39.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2842_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings being held by Hidalgo Hector Tovar <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.<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
    OR2884_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Jose Belmejo Turning over to keep til daylight.<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 S. America.<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)
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_88.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Jose Belmejo weighing   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.<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 />
Franklin Tobar looking on
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_70.jpg
  • Catfish frozen for transportation<br />
Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR910Catfish frozen for transport.jpg
  • Beach of Playita<br />
mid Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2894_Beach_of_Playita.jpg
  • Savannah Side-necked Turtle (Podocnemis vogli) released after being found by fishermen in the river.<br />
CITES II  due to habitat loss mainly near urban areas and over hunting especially in the Llanos.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 23-36cm, Wgt 2kg. Females larger than males. They dig shallow nests in sandy soil, often far from nearest water source.  7-13 eliptical eggs 40x25mm in size.<br />
They are diurnal spending sunny morning out on logs and nights in the water semi submerged in mud. They are omnivorous, consuming seeds, leaves, aquatic plants, fish, insects & suspended material in water.<br />
HABITAT: Lagoons, swamps, Moriche palm swamps, generally not preferring larger rivers.<br />
RANGE: Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela.
    OR2044_Savannah_Side-necked_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.
    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.
    OR1762_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. <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
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle TRACKS (Podocnemis unifilis) from female ashore to lay eggs.<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 40cm, Wgt 9-12kg. Convex carapace widest at mid-point. Eggs oblong 11-32 per clutch. 50-70 days incubation. Herbacious plus carrion, molluscs, crustations & fish eggs.<br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR653_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtle_Tr...jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Franklin Tovar weighing & Eneida Marin (Project Coordinator) 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.<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 />
Jose Belmejo looking on
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_53.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 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 (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.
    OR1093_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Savannah Side-necked Turtle (Podocnemis vogli) released after being found by fishermen in the river.<br />
CITES II  due to habitat loss mainly near urban areas and over hunting especially in the Llanos.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 23-36cm, Wgt 2kg. Females larger than males. They dig shallow nests in sandy soil, often far from nearest water source.  7-13 eliptical eggs 40x25mm in size.<br />
They are diurnal spending sunny morning out on logs and nights in the water semi submerged in mud. They are omnivorous, consuming seeds, leaves, aquatic plants, fish, insects & suspended material in water.<br />
HABITAT: Lagoons, swamps, Moriche palm swamps, generally not preferring larger rivers.<br />
RANGE: Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela.
    OR2170_Savannah_Side-necked_Turtle.jpg
  • Savannah Side-necked Turtle (Podocnemis vogli) released after being found by fishermen in the river.<br />
CITES II  due to habitat loss mainly near urban areas and over hunting especially in the Llanos.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 23-36cm, Wgt 2kg. Females larger than males. They dig shallow nests in sandy soil, often far from nearest water source.  7-13 eliptical eggs 40x25mm in size.<br />
They are diurnal spending sunny morning out on logs and nights in the water semi submerged in mud. They are omnivorous, consuming seeds, leaves, aquatic plants, fish, insects & suspended material in water.<br />
HABITAT: Lagoons, swamps, Moriche palm swamps, generally not preferring larger rivers.<br />
RANGE: Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela.
    OR2072_Savannah_Side-necked_Turtle.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) 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.
    OR1431_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)  CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 <br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1424_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 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 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) Jose Belmejo Turning over to keep til daylight.<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 S. America.<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)
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_86.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Jose Belmejo weighing   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.<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 />
Franklin Tobar looking on
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_81.jpg
  • Jose Belmejo weighing Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and Hector Tovar looking on.  Part of 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. <br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_8.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 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.
    OR745_Giant_River_Turtles.jpg
  • Beach of Playita<br />
mid Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2899_Beach_of_Playita.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2845_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Parahuaza River part of the Orinoco River system, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2357_Parahuaza_River.jpg
  • Savannah Side-necked Turtle (Podocnemis vogli) released after being found by fishermen in the river.<br />
CITES II  due to habitat loss mainly near urban areas and over hunting especially in the Llanos.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 23-36cm, Wgt 2kg. Females larger than males. They dig shallow nests in sandy soil, often far from nearest water source.  7-13 eliptical eggs 40x25mm in size.<br />
They are diurnal spending sunny morning out on logs and nights in the water semi submerged in mud. They are omnivorous, consuming seeds, leaves, aquatic plants, fish, insects & suspended material in water.<br />
HABITAT: Lagoons, swamps, Moriche palm swamps, generally not preferring larger rivers.<br />
RANGE: Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela.
    OR2136_Savannah_Side-necked_Turtle.jpg
  • Savannah Side-necked Turtle (Podocnemis vogli) released after being found by fishermen in the river.<br />
CITES II  due to habitat loss mainly near urban areas and over hunting especially in the Llanos.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 23-36cm, Wgt 2kg. Females larger than males. They dig shallow nests in sandy soil, often far from nearest water source.  7-13 eliptical eggs 40x25mm in size.<br />
They are diurnal spending sunny morning out on logs and nights in the water semi submerged in mud. They are omnivorous, consuming seeds, leaves, aquatic plants, fish, insects & suspended material in water.<br />
HABITAT: Lagoons, swamps, Moriche palm swamps, generally not preferring larger rivers.<br />
RANGE: Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela.
    OR2100_Savannah_Side-necked_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1752_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1715_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having blood taken.  REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1684_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Franklin Tovar & Jose Belmejo taking Biometric Data. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs)  Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1679_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (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.
    OR1439_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) 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
  • Masked Cardinal (Paroaria nigrigenis)<br />
mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
RANGE: Orinoco Basin, Venezuela and Colombia
    OR798_Red-capped_Cardinal.jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) nests being dug up to be relocated.<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
<br />
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.
    OR703_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtle_Ne...jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle TRACKS (Podocnemis unifilis) from female ashore to lay eggs.<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 40cm, Wgt 9-12kg. Convex carapace widest at mid-point. Eggs oblong 11-32 per clutch. 50-70 days incubation. Herbacious plus carrion, molluscs, crustations & fish eggs.<br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR699_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtle_Tr...jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) nests being dug up to be relocated.<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
<br />
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.
    OR680_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtle_Ne...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
    OR305_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<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
  • Savannah Side-necked Turtle (Podocnemis vogli) released after being found by fishermen in the river.<br />
CITES II  due to habitat loss mainly near urban areas and over hunting especially in the Llanos.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 23-36cm, Wgt 2kg. Females larger than males. They dig shallow nests in sandy soil, often far from nearest water source.  7-13 eliptical eggs 40x25mm in size.<br />
They are diurnal spending sunny morning out on logs and nights in the water semi submerged in mud. They are omnivorous, consuming seeds, leaves, aquatic plants, fish, insects & suspended material in water.<br />
HABITAT: Lagoons, swamps, Moriche palm swamps, generally not preferring larger rivers.<br />
RANGE: Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela.
    OR2097_Savannah_Side-necked_Turtle.jpg
  • Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis)<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Hato Masaguarel working farm and biological station, Guárico Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<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. <br />
HABITAT: Mostly in secondary tributaries of main rivers. Only to main rivers during nesting season when sand banks exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.
    OR3069_Yellow-spotted_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Guard (Guardia Civil) watching as local research team re-bury Giant River Turtle eggs (Podocnemis expansa)<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Pararuma Island. Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia. <br />
<br />
Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation.  <br />
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.
    OR2485_Guard_watching_Researches.jpg
  • Guard (Guardia Civil) watching as local research team re-bury Giant River Turtle eggs (Podocnemis expansa)<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Pararuma Island. Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia. <br />
<br />
Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation.  <br />
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.
    OR2513_Guard_watching_Researches.jpg
  • Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela)<br />
Orinoco River, north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
RANGE: Central Panama to w Ecuador, n Bolivia, the Guianas and Amazonian Brazil & Trinidad.<br />
They nest in colonies weaving pouch-like nests places in high branches near wasp nests. They are very melodious birds. Feed on berries, fruit and insects.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2387_Yellow-rumped_Cacique.jpg
  • Parahuaza River part of the Orinoco River system, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA/COLOMBIA border. South America.<br />
The Orinoco is the 3rd longest river in S. America 2,200Km and the third largest in Volume in the world after the Amazon and the Congo Rivers. 1 200 000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic Ocean through its huge deltas per year.
    OR2350_Parahuaza_River.jpg
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