IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Reptiles
Order: Chordata
Family: Podocnemididae
We have two male yellow-spotted river turtles living here at Paignton Zoo, Dwayne & Billy-Bob. They are both 14 years old and you can find them living with our northern caiman lizards in Crocodile Swamp.
The Yellow-spotted river turtle is native to the freshwater rivers, lakes, and floodplains of South America, particularly in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. They are are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods such as fruits, seeds, aquatic vegetation, insects, and small invertebrates.
Interesting facts!
- These turtles are named for the distinctive yellow spots on the sides of their heads, which are more prominent in juveniles and fade with age.
- Adults can reach up to 40-50 cm in length and weigh around 10-12 kg.
- They are excellent swimmers and spend most of their time in the water, though they occasionally bask on logs or riverbanks.
- Yellow-spotted river turtles play a vital role in their ecosystem by dispersing seeds, which helps maintain the health of aquatic and riparian habitats.
Conservation
They are classed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction, pollution, and poaching for their meat and eggs. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites and regulating trade.