Podocnemis lewyana
Magdalena River Turtle

    • Habitat:
      Turbid rivers and their tributaries of the Sinu, San Jorge, Cauca and Magdalena River drainages
    • Threats:
      - River damming
      - Pollution
      - Poaching of eggs and adult turtles
    • Conservation Efforts:
      - Nest protection & translocation
      - Egg incubation and capture & release
      - Protecting nesting sandbars
      Field surveys and population monitoring
      Community outreach and engagement
    • Wild Population:
      - Unknown/Declining
    • Endangered Status:
      Critically Endangered

Fast Facts

This is the only Podocnemid turtle to naturally occur west of the Andes Mountains.

On 19 May 2017, over 1,000 Critically Endangered Magdalena River Turtle (Podocnemis lewyana) hatchlings were released into the muddy waters of the Sinu River in northwestern Colombia. The release event was attended by hundreds of locals from the Cotocta Arriba district of Cordoba, Colombia; many of whom are active participants in the Tortugas del Sinu conservation program there.

On the Sinu River, the Magdalena River turtle is subject to massive nest loss when the Urr dam releases water that floods the sand banks.  Mitigating this loss through the collecting and hatching eggs, that would otherwise be lost, is the job of the Cotocta community; one that they take quite seriously.

Species Snapshot

The Sinu River is one of only two rivers to support populations of the critically endangered Magdalena River turtle, Podocnemis lewyana.

The Magdalena River Turtle (Podocnemis lewyana) is endemic to Colombia where it is restricted to two rivers in the northwest, the Magdalena and the Sinú. It is Critically Endangered due primarily to overhunting and loss of nesting habitat. Two community-based conservation groups on the Sinú are committed to saving this turtle. In the community of Cotoca Arriba, a group known as Tortugas del Sinú protects nests from flooding when the hydroelectric dam re-leases water. This program is exceptionally well-organized, with teams designated for egg collection, incubation, monitoring, and juvenile rearing, resulting in hatching and releasing thousands of turtles annually. The enthusiasm with which the people of Cotoca Arriba embrace their duties is inspiring and provides hope for this species’ preservation.