Yellow-Spotted River Turtle:
The Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle or Yellow-spotted River Turtle
(Podocnemis unifilis) is one of the largest South American river
turtles. It can grow up to 45 cm long and weigh up to 8 kg. This species
can be recognized by its black or brown oval carapace (upper shell)
with distinctive low keels on the second and third scutes. Yellow spots
on the side of its head give this species its common name. These spots
are most prominent in juveniles and fade with age. Females can be up to
twice the size of males.
These
turtles are found in tributaries and large lakes of South America's
Amazon Basin. During flood season, they may venture into flooded forests
or floodplain lakes. They feed on fruits, weeds, fish, and small
invertebrates. The females lay two clutches of eggs each year, each with
4 to 35 eggs in it. They make their nests in sandy areas on the banks
of rivers where the eggs will hatch 66 to 159 days after they are laid.
The eggs are laid at the peak of dry season so that the nest will not be
washed away with the floods of the rainy season. The average life span
is 60 to 70 years.
Yellow-Spotted River Turtle
Yellow-Spotted River Turtle
Yellow-Spotted River Turtle
Yellow-Spotted River Turtle
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