Three Fascinating Facts About the Amazon River Turtle

The Amazon is a vast territory full of biodiversity, where fascinating species inhabit rivers, forests, and lakes. Among them, the Amazon River turtle stands out as one of the largest and most impressive chelonians in South America.

Known not only for its size but also for its unique characteristics and surprising behaviors, this species reveals curiosities that go beyond appearance. Let’s explore some of them and understand why this Amazonian giant is so special.

1. Giant of the Chelonians
   The Amazon River turtle, or Podocnemis expansa, is the largest chelonian in South America. It can reach up to 90 cm in length and weigh 75 kg, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and flooded forests in the Amazon.

2. Natural Fingerprints
   The lines on these turtles’ faces are unique to each individual, functioning like fingerprints, useful for scientific identification.

3. Communicative and Social
   Though they may seem silent, these turtles produce over 2,000 sounds for communication, from hatchlings still in their eggs to migrating adults.