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  • Tourists With Galapagos Giant Tortoises (Geochelone nigrita)<br />
El Chato Ranch<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20160620_Tourists_With_Galapagos_Gia...jpg
  • Indian giant squirrel skin or Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) <br />
Nyshi Tribe<br />
Arunachal Pradesh<br />
North East India
    20141107_Indian_giant_squirrel_skin_...jpg
  • Boring Giant Clam (Tridacna crocea)<br />
Fiji. South Pacific
    20140412_Boring_Giant_Clam_5_©Pete_O...jpg
  • Smooth Giant Clam (Tridacna derasa)<br />
Fiji. South Pacific
    20140407_Smooth_Giant_Clam_25_©Pete_...jpg
  • Smooth Giant Clam (Tridacna derasa)<br />
Fiji. South Pacific
    20140407_Smooth_Giant_Clam_20_©Pete_...jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone Sp.)<br />
CDRS Station<br />
Puerto Ayora<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161214_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_12.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone nigrita)<br />
El Chato Ranch<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20160620_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_15...jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone nigrita)<br />
El Chato Ranch<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20160620_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_14...jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone nigrita)<br />
El Chato Ranch<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20160620_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_50.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Jose Belmejo Turning over to keep til daylight.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_86.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Jose Belmejo weighing   CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Franklin Tobar looking on
    OR_Giant_River_Turtle_81.jpg
  • 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
  • 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
  • Smooth Giant Clam (Tridacna derasa)<br />
Fiji. South Pacific
    20140407_Smooth_Giant_Clam_28_©Pete_...jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161130_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_93.tif
  • Giant Hummingbird (Patagonia gigas)<br />
Andes<br />
ECUADOR, South America<br />
The giant hummingbird is the largest member of the hummingbird family, weighing 18–24 g with a wingspan measuring approximately 21.5 cm in length, and length of 23 cm
    20150924_Giant_Hummingbird_556.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 Clam (Tridacna gigas)<br />
Fiji. South Pacific<br />
Open showing mantle
    20140407_Giant_Clam_13_©Pete_Oxford.jpg
  • Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas)<br />
Fiji. South Pacific<br />
Open showing mantle
    20140407_Giant_Clam_6_©Pete_Oxford.jpg
  • Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas)<br />
Fiji. South Pacific<br />
Showing open mantle and siphon
    20140407_Giant_Clam_10_©Pete_Oxford.jpg
  • Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)<br />
PHOTOGRAPHED IN: Serra da Bodoquena. Limestone elevated area which devides the Pantanal and the Cerrado. Mato Grosso do Sul Province. BRAZIL.  South America.<br />
RANGE: Central America, South America E of Andes to Uruguay and nw Argentina. Found in grasslands, swamps and lowland tropical forests. Density depends of food availability.  They are members of the Xenarthra (edentulous/toothless) order together with sloths and armadillos but are the only toothless members of the Order. They eat mainly ants and termites which are found by smell, then digging into the ground and inserting their sticky tongues into the nest. They feed for short periods at each nest, taking a very small percentage of usually worker ants which does not cause damage to the nest. Their tongues can extend up to 61cm / 12 inches and are coated with a thick saliva. It can move as rapidly as 150 times per minute licking up ants. Their stomachs do not secrete hydrochloric acid but depend instead on the formic acid content of the ants they eat to assist with digestion. They consume as much as 35,000 ants per day. They are usually active at dawn and dusk and spend up to 15 hours a day resting. They make shallow depressions in which to lay down and cover themselves with their tails to remain camourflaged. Giant anteaters have the lowest recorded body temperature of any placental mammal, 32,7 degrees C. 90.9 degrees F. A single young is born in the spring and is immediately able to use its claws to climb up onto the mothers back where it is carried around for several months.
    22293_Giant_anteater.tif
  • Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)<br />
PHOTOGRAPHED IN: Serra da Bodoquena. Limestone elevated area which devides the Pantanal and the Cerrado. Mato Grosso do Sul Province. BRAZIL.  South America.<br />
RANGE: Central America, South America E of Andes to Uruguay and nw Argentina. Found in grasslands, swamps and lowland tropical forests. Density depends of food availability.  They are members of the Xenarthra (edentulous/toothless) order together with sloths and armadillos but are the only toothless members of the Order. They eat mainly ants and termites which are found by smell, then digging into the ground and inserting their sticky tongues into the nest. They feed for short periods at each nest, taking a very small percentage of usually worker ants which does not cause damage to the nest. Their tongues can extend up to 61cm / 12 inches and are coated with a thick saliva. It can move as rapidly as 150 times per minute licking up ants. Their stomachs do not secrete hydrochloric acid but depend instead on the formic acid content of the ants they eat to assist with digestion. They consume as much as 35,000 ants per day. They are usually active at dawn and dusk and spend up to 15 hours a day resting. They make shallow depressions in which to lay down and cover themselves with their tails to remain camourflaged. Giant anteaters have the lowest recorded body temperature of any placental mammal, 32,7 degrees C. 90.9 degrees F. A single young is born in the spring and is immediately able to use its claws to climb up onto the mothers back where it is carried around for several months.
    22293_Giant_anteater.tif
  • Saddleback form of Galapagos Giant Tortoise  (Geochelone elephantophus)<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV1386_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise.tif
  • Foot of Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus)<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV514_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_Foot.tif
  • Taking Biometric Data on Galapagos Giant Tortoise  (Geochelone elephantophus)<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV387_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise.tif
  • Saddleback form of Galapagos Giant Tortoise  (Geochelone elephantophus)<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV240_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise.tif
  • Saddleback form of Galapagos Giant Tortoise  (Geochelone elephantophus)<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV229_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise.tif
  • Saddleback form of Galapagos Giant Tortoise  (Geochelone elephantophus)<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV20_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161130_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_12...tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161130_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_10...tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161130_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_62.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone sp)<br />
Highlands, Floreana Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America<br />
CAPTIVE
    20161121_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_31.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone sp)<br />
Highlands, Floreana Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America<br />
CAPTIVE
    20161121_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_30.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone sp)<br />
Highlands, Floreana Island<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America<br />
CAPTIVE
    20161121_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_18.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161119_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_55.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161119_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_48.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161203_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_10.tif
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161203_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_5.jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161203_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_23...jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161203_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_22...jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161203_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_22...jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus porteri)<br />
Highlands<br />
Santa Cruz Island <br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador,  South America
    20161203_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_&_...jpg
  • Forest giant owl butterfly (Caligo eurilochus)<br />
Mindo<br />
Cloud Forest<br />
West slope of Andes<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
HABITAT & RANGE: Mexico, through Central America, to the Amazon River basin in South America.
    20100927_Forest_giant_owl_butterfly_...jpg
  • Model with Galapagos Giant Tortoise<br />
KT 006 Sonia Kraemer D'Annunzio<br />
El Chato Ranch<br />
Santa Cruz<br />
Galapagos<br />
Ecuador, South America
    20160613_Model_with_Galapagos_Giant_...jpg
  • Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)<br />
PHOTOGRAPHED IN: Central Pantanal. Mato Grosso do Sul Province. BRAZIL.  South America.<br />
RANGE: Central America, South America E of Andes to Uruguay and nw Argentina. Found in grasslands, swamps and lowland tropical forests. Density depends of food availability.  They are members of the Xenarthra (edentulous/toothless) order together with sloths and armadillos but are the only toothless members of the Order. They eat mainly ants and termites which are found by smell, then digging into the ground and inserting their sticky tongues into the nest. They feed for short periods at each nest, taking a very small percentage of usually worker ants which does not cause damage to the nest. Their tongues can extend up to 61cm / 12 inches and are coated with a thick saliva. It can move as rapidly as 150 times per minute licking up ants. Their stomachs do not secrete hydrochloric acid but depend instead on the formic acid content of the ants they eat to assist with digestion. They consume as much as 35,000 ants per day. They are usually active at dawn and dusk and spend up to 15 hours a day resting. They make shallow depressions in which to lay down and cover themselves with their tails to remain camourflaged. Giant anteaters have the lowest recorded body temperature of any placental mammal, 32,7 degrees C. 90.9 degrees F. A single young is born in the spring and is immediately able to use its claws to climb up onto the mothers back where it is carried around for several months.
    22861_Giant_anteater.jpg
  • Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)<br />
PHOTOGRAPHED IN: Central Pantanal. Mato Grosso do Sul Province. BRAZIL.  South America.<br />
RANGE: Central America, South America E of Andes to Uruguay and nw Argentina. Found in grasslands, swamps and lowland tropical forests. Density depends of food availability.  They are members of the Xenarthra (edentulous/toothless) order together with sloths and armadillos but are the only toothless members of the Order. They eat mainly ants and termites which are found by smell, then digging into the ground and inserting their sticky tongues into the nest. They feed for short periods at each nest, taking a very small percentage of usually worker ants which does not cause damage to the nest. Their tongues can extend up to 61cm / 12 inches and are coated with a thick saliva. It can move as rapidly as 150 times per minute licking up ants. Their stomachs do not secrete hydrochloric acid but depend instead on the formic acid content of the ants they eat to assist with digestion. They consume as much as 35,000 ants per day. They are usually active at dawn and dusk and spend up to 15 hours a day resting. They make shallow depressions in which to lay down and cover themselves with their tails to remain camourflaged. Giant anteaters have the lowest recorded body temperature of any placental mammal, 32,7 degrees C. 90.9 degrees F. A single young is born in the spring and is immediately able to use its claws to climb up onto the mothers back where it is carried around for several months.
    22867_Giant_anteater.jpg
  • Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)<br />
PHOTOGRAPHED IN: Central Pantanal. Mato Grosso do Sul Province. BRAZIL.  South America.<br />
RANGE: Central America, South America E of Andes to Uruguay and nw Argentina. Found in grasslands, swamps and lowland tropical forests. Density depends of food availability.  They are members of the Xenarthra (edentulous/toothless) order together with sloths and armadillos but are the only toothless members of the Order. They eat mainly ants and termites which are found by smell, then digging into the ground and inserting their sticky tongues into the nest. They feed for short periods at each nest, taking a very small percentage of usually worker ants which does not cause damage to the nest. Their tongues can extend up to 61cm / 12 inches and are coated with a thick saliva. It can move as rapidly as 150 times per minute licking up ants. Their stomachs do not secrete hydrochloric acid but depend instead on the formic acid content of the ants they eat to assist with digestion. They consume as much as 35,000 ants per day. They are usually active at dawn and dusk and spend up to 15 hours a day resting. They make shallow depressions in which to lay down and cover themselves with their tails to remain camourflaged. Giant anteaters have the lowest recorded body temperature of any placental mammal, 32,7 degrees C. 90.9 degrees F. A single young is born in the spring and is immediately able to use its claws to climb up onto the mothers back where it is carried around for several months.
    22866_Giant_anteater.jpg
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) & road<br />
Santa Cruz Island<br />
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS,<br />
Ecuador, South America<br />
Endemic
    20141208_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_&_...jpg
  • Giant panda babies (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Family: Ailuropodidae.<br />
Wolong China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda within Wolong Reserve. Sichuan Province.<br />
CHINA<br />
RANGE: Temperate bamboo forests of altitudes between 6,500 and 10,000 feet. Central Sichuan, South Gansu, East Qinling and in Shaanxi Provinces of China.<br />
ENDANGERED SPECIES<br />
Less than 1000 animals remain in the wild. Even the death penalty does not deter people from hunting these animals, but they are mostly endangered due to habitat loss.<br />
They consume about 45 pounds of a specific type of bamboo per day as well as some mosses, fungi and even small rodents. Males weigh: 85-125kg's and females weigh: 70-100 kg's. They live 10-15 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity. Their natural predators are leopards.
    5059_Giant_panda_babies.jpg
  • Giant panda babies (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Family: Ailuropodidae.<br />
Wolong China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda within Wolong Reserve. Sichuan Province.<br />
CHINA<br />
RANGE: Temperate bamboo forests of altitudes between 6,500 and 10,000 feet. Central Sichuan, South Gansu, East Qinling and in Shaanxi Provinces of China.<br />
ENDANGERED SPECIES<br />
Less than 1000 animals remain in the wild. Even the death penalty does not deter people from hunting these animals, but they are mostly endangered due to habitat loss.<br />
They consume about 45 pounds of a specific type of bamboo per day as well as some mosses, fungi and even small rodents. Males weigh: 85-125kg's and females weigh: 70-100 kg's. They live 10-15 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity. Their natural predators are leopards.
    5058_Giant_panda_babies.jpg
  • Pete Oxford & Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus) for DNA analysis.<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV557_Pete_&_Galapagos_Giant_Tortois...jpg
  • Pete Oxford & Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus) for DNA analysis.<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV299_Pete_&_Galapagos_Giant_Tortois...jpg
  • Pete Oxford & Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus) for DNA analysis.<br />
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR.  South America<br />
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George.  Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.
    WV295_Pete_&_Galapagos_Giant_Tortois...jpg
  • Pete Oxford & Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Family: Ailuropodidae.<br />
Wolong China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda within Wolong Reserve. Sichuan Province.<br />
CHINA<br />
RANGE: Temperate bamboo forests of altitudes between 6,500 and 10,000 feet. Central Sichuan, South Gansu, East Qinling and in Shaanxi Provinces of China.<br />
ENDANGERED SPECIES<br />
Less than 1000 animals remain in the wild. Even the death penalty does not deter people from hunting these animals, but they are mostly endangered due to habitat loss.<br />
They consume about 45 pounds of a specific type of bamboo per day as well as some mosses, fungi and even small rodents. Males weigh: 85-125kg's and females weigh: 70-100 kg's. They live 10-15 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity. Their natural predators are leopards.
    4449_Giant_panda.jpg
  • Pete Oxford & Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Family: Ailuropodidae.<br />
Wolong China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda within Wolong Reserve. Sichuan Province.<br />
CHINA<br />
RANGE: Temperate bamboo forests of altitudes between 6,500 and 10,000 feet. Central Sichuan, South Gansu, East Qinling and in Shaanxi Provinces of China.<br />
ENDANGERED SPECIES<br />
Less than 1000 animals remain in the wild. Even the death penalty does not deter people from hunting these animals, but they are mostly endangered due to habitat loss.<br />
They consume about 45 pounds of a specific type of bamboo per day as well as some mosses, fungi and even small rodents. Males weigh: 85-125kg's and females weigh: 70-100 kg's. They live 10-15 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity. Their natural predators are leopards.
    4459_Giant_panda.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.
    OR2317_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR2184_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (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
  • 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 Carapace (Podocnemis expansa) Eneida Marin (Project co-ordinator) showing Danielson Llorente & Franklin Tovar the way to mark the numeration. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
(mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1960_Giant_River_Turtle_Carapace.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1789_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1768_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1767_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1746_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1762_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after Biometric data taken being carried back to river by Franklin Tobar.<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1752_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1715_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1700_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having blood taken.  REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1684_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) Franklin Tovar & Jose Belmejo taking Biometric Data. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km N of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs)  Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1679_Giant_River_Turtle_Research.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle Tracks (Podocnemis expansa)  <br />
CITES II VULNERABLE.<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to ......  They lay when the river is at its lowest. They are Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds.<br />
HABITAT: exposed.RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Monitored from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Sylvestre, Zona de Protecion de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to one person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1658_Giant_River_Turtle_Tracks.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river. Also animals that are subsequently caught by fishermen etc are marked
    OR1628_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar & Eneida Marin (Co-ordinator of project)<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED<br />
Playita, Orinoco River, 110 Km n of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. S America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. Then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1619_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar & Eneida Marin (Co-ordinator of project)<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED<br />
Playita, Orinoco River, 110 Km n of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. S America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. Then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1615_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1593_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) having carapace marked for future ID by Franklin Tovar<br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L +- 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in S. America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 wks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development and lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Ministery of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp staff. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the 1st year of their life and then release them. The ministery pays a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is also a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During the egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are dug up and relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the 1st year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female that has layed eggs and is returning to the river. Also animals that are subsequently caught by fishermen etc are marked
    OR1614_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs & Simon Elayea.  CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning t
    OR1541_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings having one or more toes removed for future ID. This will indicate the year they were released. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning
    OR1476_Giant_River_Turtle_Toe_Markin...jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)  CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 <br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length and weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1453_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) yearlings having one or more toes removed for future ID. This will indicate the year they were released. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning
    OR1466_Giant_River_Turtle_Toe_Markin...jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)  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)  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) 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.
    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.
    OR1170_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1126_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) being carried by Jose Belmejo. <br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8  weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1123_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) being carried by Jose Belmejo. <br />
CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8  weeks incubation. Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival. Biometric data is taken from any female they find that has layed eggs and is returning to the river.
    OR1118_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1087_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
  • Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) after laying eggs and ID marked returns to river. CAPTIVE-REARING PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD<br />
CITES II      IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)<br />
Playita Beach, (mid) Orinoco River, 110 Km north of Puerto Ayacucho. Apure Province, VENEZUELA. South America. <br />
L average 90cm, Wgt 30-45kg. Largest fresh water river turtle in South America. Eggs round & 42mm. 90-100 per clutch. 6-8 weeks incubation.<br />
(This female measured:69cm curved carapace length & weighed:31kg and layed 121 eggs) Females come ashore to sun themselves for several days before laying to boost egg development.  They lay when the river is at its lowest. Herbacious and live in white or black water rivers moving into flooded forests of the Amazon during the wet season to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.<br />
RANGE: Amazonia, Llanos & Orinoco of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia.<br />
Project from Base Camp of the Protected area of the Giant River Turtle (& Podocnemis unifilis). (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, Zona Protectora de Tortuga Arrau, RFSZPTA)<br />
Min. of Environment Camp which works in conjuction with the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) who help enforce wildlife laws and offer security to camp. From here the ministery co-ordinate with other local communities along the river to hand-rear turtles for the first year of their life and then release them. They pay a salary to a person in each community that participates in the project as well as providing all food etc. The turtles are protected by law and there is a ban on the use of fishing nets in the general area. During egg laying season staff sleep on the nesting beaches to monitor the nests.  All nests layed on low lying ground are relocated to an area not likely to flood. They are then surrounded by a net to catch all hatchlings who will then spend the first year of their life in captivity to increase their chances of survival.
    OR1101_Giant_River_Turtle.jpg
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