Biology and Conservation of the Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises of Peru

Research on Peruvian freshwater turtles and tortoises reveals significant gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding their status, distribution, and abundance. While reproduction has been the most studied aspect, focusing mainly on three Podocnemis species, other critical areas such as habitat use and conservation status remain under-researched. Studies have predominantly concentrated in regions like Loreto and Madre de Dios, near Iquitos, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, and Manu National Park. The findings suggest that less-studied regions may harbor more turtle species due to shared habitats. Key gaps include insufficient data on Podocnemis expansa, P. unifilis, Chelonoidis carbonaria, Peltocephalus dumerilianus, and Mesoclemmys heliostemma, highlighting urgent research priorities for conservation efforts in Peru.

Ferronato, B. O., & Morales, V. M. (2012). Biology and Conservation of the Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises of Peru. Reptiles & Amphibians, 19(2), 103–116. https://doi.org/10.17161/randa.v19i2.13889