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Central American River Turtle — printable fact sheet
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Central American River Turtle
Dermatemys mawii
The Central American River Turtle, also known as 'hickatee,' is an aquatic turtle native to the freshwater rivers and lagoons of Central America. This species has a large, smooth, olive to brown carapace and a distinctive, streamlined head adapted for its aquatic lifestyle. Main…
Did you know?
- Despite being able to grow quite large, the Central American River Turtle is almost never seen basking in the sun, preferring a fully aquatic life.
- The Central American River Turtle is the only living species in its family, making it evolutionarily unique. It can stay underwater for hours due to its ability to absorb oxygen through its skin and cloaca. Local communities traditionally harvest it for meat, which has significantly contributed to its decline.
What I learned
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