Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle
Podocnemis unifilis
Class
Reptilia
Order
Testudines
Family
Podocnemididae
Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle
Range
Amazon and Orinoco river systems in South America
Size
Male: 8 - 15 in, 5 - 10 lbs
Female: 11-20 in, 11.5 - 25 lbs
Habitat
Tributaries and lakes; flooded forests
Young
Clutch: up to 36 eggs
Incubation: 66 days
Diet
Fruit and plant material including fish and small invertebrates
IUCN Status
Vulnerable
Description
This species is one of the largest South American river turtles. It is characterized by its dark upper shell and yellow spots on the head, which fade with age. They are considered side-necked turtles because they cannot pull their heads into their shells.
Behavior
It is diurnal and most active in mid-morning and afternoon. This very aquatic species only comes out of the water to bask. Groups of turtles can be seen basking in the sun on logs or stones in the middle of rivers and on the shore.
Reproduction
Females lay their eggs in the peak of the dry season and the nests are sometimes destroyed by rising flood waters.