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South America's River Turtles: Saving Them by Use

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

Russell A. Mittermeier
Russell A. Mittermeier
Affiliation:
New York Zoological Society, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, N.Y. 10460, USA; and Department of Anatomical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, State University of New York, Stony Brook, N.Y. 11794, USA.
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Abstract

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The seven species of Podocnemis river turtles, in northern South America, have long been important sources of meat for local people; as such they have many advantages over both native mammals and imported domestic species. But most of the populations are now severely depleted, and several species are endangered. The author suggests that if nesting beaches were effectively protected these turtles would recover their numbers, and this, combined with careful management and sustained-yield cropping, would ensure their survival as a valuable resource.

Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , June 1978 , pp. 222 - 230
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1978

References

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