THIS SPECIES IS AT RISK OF EXTINCTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE HUNTING. Arrau turtle, also known as charapa is a freshwater turtle residing in marshes, lakes, rivers, and shallow lagoons of Amazonia and Orinoquía. Interestingly, it is considered to be the largest species of river turtles.
The females are larger than males, growing up to one meter in length, while the males grow to about 70 centimeters. The turtles have a flattened shell and protect their head under one side of the shell due to their large necks, rather than retracting it.
Charapas feed on a variety of seeds, fruits, sponges, and nettle leaves. The oil extracted from their eggs is beloved due to its medicinal and cosmetic purposes, while the shells were used as a seat in the past. The dishes made with charapa are considered exotic and are typically highly prized.
The meat is either smoked or used in soups, the eggs are cooked, while the offal is often prepared in maize porridge. Due to large amounts of protein and fat, charapas are a staple of the traditional diet of the indigenous tribes. Unfortunately, the species is at risk of extinction in the wild due to excessive hunting and gathering of charapa’s eggs, all for the purpose of illegal trade on the black market.
