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  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) & Yellow-spotted River Turtle eggs (Podocnemis unifilis) being re-buried to safer, higher ground.<br />
CAPTIVE -REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.
    OR1509_Turtle_Eggs_being_re-buried.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) & Yellow-spotted River Turtle eggs (Podocnemis unifilis) being re-buried to safer, higher ground.<br />
CAPTIVE -REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America.
    OR1492_Turtle_Eggs_being_re-buried.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2184_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa) being followed by Danielson LLorente<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR875_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1658_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR893_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2183_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2842_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2845_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2321_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR551_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle nest cross section (Podocnemis expansa) & Jose Belmejo taking eggs for re-burial. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 <br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1549_Giant_River_Turtle_Nest_.jpg
  • Comparison between Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis)  CAPTIVE -REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR67_Turtle_Comparison.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2317_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa) being followed by Danielson LLorente<br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR865_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) 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
  • 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
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1768_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after 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) carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar & Eneida Marin (Co-ordinator of project)<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED<br />
Playita, Orinoco River, 110 Km n of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. S America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. Then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1615_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)  CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 <br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1453_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)  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.
    OR1218_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1170_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1087_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) ashore to lay eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Pararuma Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR469_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearling<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR282_Giant_River_Turtle_Yearlings.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) 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.
    OR1025_Giant_River_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) 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. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1700_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having blood taken.  REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1684_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Franklin Tovar & Jose Belmejo taking Biometric Data. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs)  Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1679_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river. Also animals that are subsequently caught by fishermen etc are marked
    OR1628_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) 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) & Jose Belmejo. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 <br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1421_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) being carried by Jose Belmejo. <br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8  weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1123_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La Playita Beach, Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1044_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) ashore to lay eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Pararuma Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR450_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) 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) 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 Hidalgo Hector Tovar CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning
    OR1269_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1093_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1086_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Galapagos Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi) Feeding<br />
Sullivan Bay<br />
Santiago<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20160617_Galapagos_Green_Turtle_Feed...jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1767_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1746_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar & Eneida Marin (Co-ordinator of project)<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED<br />
Playita, Orinoco River, 110 Km n of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. S America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. Then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1619_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1593_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs & Simon Elayea.  CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1541_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings having one or more toes removed for future ID. This will indicate the year they were released. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning
    OR1466_Giant_River_Turtle_Toe_Markin...jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1188_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1184_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1126_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) being carried by Jose Belmejo. <br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8  weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1118_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Hector Tovar, Jose Belmejo taking Biometric Data. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs)  Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1051_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Hector Tovar, Jose Belmejo & 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. 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.
    OR1048_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La Playita Beach, Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR981_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La Playita Beach, Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR963_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying. <br />
REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
La Playita Beach, Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR960_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) ashore to lay eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Pararuma Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR432_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings & Danielson LLorente<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning
    OR11_Giant_River_Turtle_Yearlings.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings 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)  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.
    OR1438_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.
    OR1180_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.
    OR1200_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) ashore to lay eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Pararuma Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR466_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • 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
    OR334_Giant_River_Turtle_Yearlings.jpg
  • Galapagos Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi) Feeding<br />
Sullivan Bay, Santiago<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20160617_Galapagos_Green_Turtle_Feed...jpg
  • Model With Galapagos Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
KT 013 Florencia Ceide<br />
Sullivan Bay<br />
Santiago<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20160617_Model_With_Galapagos_Green_...jpg
  • Galapagos Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi) Feeding<br />
Sullivan Bay, Santiago<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20160617_Galapagos_Green_Turtle_Feed...jpg
  • Galapagos Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi) Feeding<br />
Sullivan Bay<br />
Santiago<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20160617_Galapagos_Green_Turtle_Feed...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
  • 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
  • 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) 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) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1101_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying 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.
    OR1204_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) nests being dug up for relocation to safer, higher ground.<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 />
<br />
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.
    OR2104_Collecting_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_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_70.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
  • Green Turtle Albino (Chelonia mydas)<br />
CAPTIVE<br />
Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm<br />
MEXICO
    ISM169 Green Turtle Albino.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) nests being dug up for relocation to safer, higher ground.<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 />
<br />
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.
    OR2107_Collecting_Giant_River_Turtle...jpg
  • Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20161122_Green_Turtle_68.tif
  • Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20161122_Green_Turtle_71.tif
  • Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20161122_Green_Turtle_20.tif
  • Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20161212_Green_Turtle_429.tif
  • Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
Floreana Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20161204_Green_Turtle_259.tif
  • Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
Puerto Egas, Santiago Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20161125_Green_Turtle_131.tif
  • Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
Floreana Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20161204_Green_Turtle_213.jpg
  • Galapagos Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi)<br />
Sullivan Bay<br />
Santiago<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20160617_Galapagos_Green_Turtle_989.jpg
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