Abstract

LASSO, Carlos A. et al. Conservation and trafficking of the Matamata Turtle, Chelus fimbriata (Schneider, 1783) in Colombia: an example of joint efforts of the National Environmental System, one NGO, and academia. Biota colombiana [online]. 2018, vol.19, n.1, pp.147-159. ISSN 0124-5376.  https://doi.org/10.21068/c2018.v19n01a10.

We present the results of an interinstitutional initiative that verified the provenance of several groups of the Matamata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata), confiscated in the city of Leticia, department of Amazonas, Colombia, with molecular tools. The confiscated turtles corresponded to specimens captured in the Orinoquia region, and apparently were destined to Peru as part of a network of illegal trafficking. Based on this finding, two environmental corporations worked together and made possible the release of about 400 individuals in the Vichada department on the Bita River and the Bojonawi Nature Reserve (Orinoco River basin). It is therefore evident that this species is being trafficked towards Peru, where the commercialization of turtles is legal. We recommend the use of genetic identification protocols to identify and control the geographical origin of turtles that may be captured in the future as a necessary step that must precede their liberation.

Keywords : Amazon Basin; Animal trade; Molecular identificatio; Orinoco Basin; Species liberation.

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