Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii)

French:	Dermatemyde De Mawe, Tortue De Tabasco
Spanish:	Tortuga Rivereña Centroamericana

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Testudines
Family	Dermatemydidae
Genus	Dermatemys (1)

Top facts

• The Central American river turtle is found in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.
• Found in rivers and lakes, Central American river turtles are fast swimmers, and are able to swim up rapids.
• A herbivorous species, the Central American river turtle feeds on a variety of aquatic vegetation and fallen fruits.
• Sadly, Central American river turtles are Critically Endangered due to human over-consumption.

Classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List (1) and listed on Appendix II of CITES (2).

Information on the Central American river turtle is currently being researched and written and will appear here shortly.

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

1. IUCN Red List (October, 2009)
   http://www.redlist.org
2. CITES (October, 2009)
   http://www.cites.org