Yellow-spotted Amazon river turtle in exhibit

Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle

Scientific Name
Podocnemis unifilis
Class
Reptilia
Order
Testudines
Range
Amazon River
Habitat
Rivers, lakes, and flooded forests
Estimated Wild Population
n/a
Yellow-spotted Amazon river turtle Endangered Status Graph - Vulnerable Endangered Status Graph - Vulnerable

More Information

Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtles are some of the largest turtles in South America, with females reaching up to twice the size of males. They have a dark upper shell and yellow spots across their head. Both sexes eat a variety of food, ranging from fruit and plant material to fish and small invertebrates. Females lay two clutches each year, with as many as three dozen eggs per clutch. After hatching from nests dug into sandy riverbanks, newborns take to the river.

Did You Know?

Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtles can live up to 70 years.

These turtles occupy tributaries and lakes along the Amazon River but travel inland during annual floods.

Males court females by nipping at their feet and tail.

Animal Care staff working with seal

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Asian small-clawed otter in exhibit

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