Native Turtles Of Brazil
Brazil isn’t just about the Amazon—it’s also packed with turtles. Rivers, wetlands, and forest floors all hide unique native species. If you’re looking for turtles found only in Brazil, this list covers them all.
Native Turtles Of Brazil
Podocnemis unifilis (Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle)
Podocnemis unifilis, or the Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle, is a freshwater turtle found in South America. It’s easily recognized by the bright yellow spots on its head, especially in younger turtles. This species plays an important role in the ecosystem of the Amazon basin. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PodocnemididaeGenus: PodocnemisSpecies: Podocnemis unifilis…
Podocnemis sextuberculata (Six-tubercled Amazon River Turtle)
Podocnemis sextuberculata, also known as the Six-tubercled Amazon River Turtle, is a freshwater turtle found mainly in the Amazon Basin. It’s named after the six bony projections on its shell, which help set it apart from other river turtles in the region. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PodocnemididaeGenus: PodocnemisSpecies: P. sextuberculata Common Names…
Podocnemis expansa (Arrau turtle)
The Arrau turtle, Podocnemis expansa, is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. It’s found in South America’s major river systems and is famous for its synchronized mass nesting events known as arribadas. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PodocnemididaeGenus: PodocnemisSpecies: Podocnemis expansa Common Names Arrau turtleGiant South American river turtleCharapa (locally…
Podocnemis erythrocephala (Red-headed River Turtle)
Podocnemis erythrocephala, known for its striking red head, is a small freshwater turtle found in the Amazon basin. It lives mainly in blackwater rivers and has unique habits that set it apart from other South American turtles. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PodocnemididaeGenus: PodocnemisSpecies: P. erythrocephala Common Names Red-headed River TurtleRed-headed Amazon River…
Platemys platycephala (Twist-Necked Turtle)
Platemys platycephala, also called the twist-necked turtle, is a small and secretive species found in parts of South America. Its flat, leaf-like body and ability to twist its neck sideways make it one of the more unique freshwater turtles in the world. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: PlatemysSpecies: platycephala Common Names Twist-Necked…
Phrynops williamsi (Williams’ side-necked turtle)
Phrynops williamsi, also known as Williams’ side-necked turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to parts of South America. It belongs to the Chelidae family, known for their sideways-folding necks and aquatic lifestyles. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: PhrynopsSpecies: Phrynops williamsi Common Names Williams’ side-necked turtleTartaruga-de-cabeça-larga (in Portuguese) Identification DescriptionPhrynops williamsi has a…
Phrynops tuberosus (Cotinga River toadhead turtle)
Phrynops tuberosus, also known as the Cotinga River toadhead turtle, is a freshwater turtle species found in parts of South America. It belongs to the Chelidae family and is known for its distinct flattened head and river-dwelling habits. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: PhrynopsSpecies: Phrynops tuberosus Common Names Cotinga River toadhead turtleTartaruga-de-cabeça-de-sapo…
Phrynops hilarii (Hilaire’s Side-necked Turtle)
Phrynops hilarii, also known as Hilaire’s Side-necked Turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to parts of South America. It is known for its sideways-tucking neck and wide head, giving it a distinct look compared to other turtles. This species spends much of its time in slow-moving rivers and streams. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder:…
Phrynops geoffroanus (Geoffroy’s Side-necked Turtle)
Phrynops geoffroanus, or Geoffroy’s Side-necked Turtle, is a freshwater turtle found widely across South America. It belongs to the Chelidae family and is known for its unique way of bending its neck sideways under the shell instead of pulling it straight in. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: PhrynopsSpecies: Phrynops geoffroanus Common Names…
Peltocephalus dumerilianus (Big-headed Amazon River Turtle)
Peltocephalus dumerilianus, also known as the Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to the Amazon Basin. It stands out with its unusually large head and domed shell, making it easily recognizable among river turtles. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PodocnemididaeGenus: PeltocephalusSpecies: Peltocephalus dumerilianus Common Names Big-headed Amazon River TurtleBig-headed Sideneck…
Trachemys dorbigni (D’Orbigny’s slider)
The D’Orbigny’s slider, Trachemys dorbigni, is a freshwater turtle native to parts of South America. It’s known for its bright facial markings and strong swimming skills, often found basking in the sun or gliding through rivers and ponds. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys dorbigni Common Names D’Orbigny’s sliderblack-bellied slider Identification…
Trachemys adiutrix (Maranhão slider)
The Maranhão slider (Trachemys adiutrix) is a freshwater turtle native to northeastern Brazil. It’s a lesser-known species, often confused with other Trachemys turtles, but it has its own unique look and habitat preference. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys adiutrix Common Names Maranhão sliderBrazilian slider Identification DescriptionTrachemys adiutrix has a dark…
Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Spot-legged Wood Turtle)
Rhinoclemmys punctularia, commonly known as the Spot-legged Wood Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to parts of South America. It is recognized for its distinctive spotted limbs and its adaptability to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: RhinoclemmysSpecies: R. punctularia Common Names Spot-legged Wood TurtleSpotted-legged Wood Turtle…
Rhinemys rufipes (Red side-necked turtle)
Rhinemys rufipes, commonly known as the Red Side-Necked Turtle, is a freshwater species native to South America. This turtle is recognized for its distinctive reddish markings on the sides of its head and neck, making it stand out among other side-necked turtles. It belongs to the Chelidae family and is primarily found in slow-moving rivers…
Ranacephala hogei (Hoge’s side-necked turtle)
Ranacephala hogei, also known as Hoge’s side-necked turtle, is a rare freshwater species native to Brazil. This turtle belongs to the Chelidae family and is distinguished by its habit of tucking its head sideways rather than retracting it fully into the shell. Due to habitat destruction and other threats, it is considered one of the…
Mesoclemmys wermuthi (Wermuth’s Toad-headed Turtle)
Mesoclemmys wermuthi, commonly known as Wermuth’s Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to parts of South America. Known for its unique head shape and vibrant coloration, this turtle plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Wermuth’s Toad-headed Turtle is characterized by its broad, flattened shell and…
Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Vander Haeghe’s Toad-headed Turtle)
Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei, commonly known as Vander Haeghe’s Toad-headed Turtle, is a unique freshwater turtle species recognized for its distinctive head shape and vibrant coloration. Native to the diverse ecosystems of South America, this turtle plays a vital role in its habitat’s ecological balance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei is characterized by its…
Mesoclemmys tuberculata (Tuberculated Toad-headed Turtle)
Mesoclemmys tuberculata, commonly known as the Tuberculated Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle native to parts of South America. Recognized by its textured shell and unique head shape, this species plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys tuberculata features a robust, domed shell adorned with tubercles, giving…
Mesoclemmys raniceps (Amazon Toad-headed Turtle)
Mesoclemmys raniceps, commonly known as the Amazon Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to the Amazon Basin. Renowned for its unique head shape and adaptability, this species plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys raniceps is characterized by its distinctively broad and flattened head, resembling…
Mesoclemmys perplexa (Piaui Side-necked Turtle)
Mesoclemmys perplexa, commonly known as the Piaui Side-necked Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to parts of South America. Known for its unique shell patterns and behaviors, this turtle plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys perplexa features a moderately domed carapace with intricate patterns that…
Mesoclemmys nasuta (Guyanan Toad-headed Turtle)
Mesoclemmys nasuta, commonly known as the Guyanan Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to the northern regions of South America. Renowned for its unique head morphology and adaptable behavior, this turtle plays a vital role in its aquatic ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys nasuta features a domed carapace with…
Mesoclemmys gibba (gibba turtle)
Mesoclemmys gibba, commonly known as the gibba turtle, is a freshwater species native to South America. Known for its distinctive shell and adaptable nature, this turtle plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys gibba is a medium-sized freshwater turtle with a domed carapace, typically brown to olive in…
Kinosternon scorpioides (Scorpion Mud Turtle)
The Scorpion Mud Turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) is a small, hardy turtle species native to Central and South America. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in various habitats and exhibits unique behavioral traits. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: scorpioides Common Names Scorpion Mud TurtleTabasco Mud Turtle Identification Description The Scorpion Mud Turtle…
Hydromedusa tectifera (Argentine Snake-necked Turtle)
The Hydromedusa tectifera, commonly known as the Argentine Snake-necked Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to South America. Recognized for its elongated neck and unique shell structure, this turtle inhabits various aquatic environments and plays a vital role in its native ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Hydromedusa tectifera is a…
Hydromedusa maximiliani (Brazilian snake-necked turtle)
Hydromedusa maximiliani, commonly known as Maximilian’s Snake-necked Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle species native to southeastern Brazil. Notable for its elongated neck and unique shell patterns, this species inhabits clear, slow-moving streams within forested areas and is of particular interest to conservationists due to its vulnerable status. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin…
Chelus orinocensis (Orinoco Mata Mata)
Chelus orinocensis, commonly known as the Orinoco mata mata, is a unique freshwater turtle species known for its extraordinary appearance, mimicking leaf debris in its environment. Found primarily in the Orinoco River Basin, it’s easily recognized by its flattened, triangular head and extensive camouflage. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat…
Chelonoidis denticulatus (Yellow-footed Tortoise)
Chelonoidis denticulatus, commonly known as the Yellow-footed Tortoise, is a large terrestrial species native to South America. It is well known for its distinctive yellow scales on its limbs and head, which contrast with its dark, dome-shaped carapace. This species is primarily found in humid tropical forests and is known for its slow movement and…
Chelonoidis carbonarius (Red-footed Tortoise)
Chelonoidis carbonarius is a terrestrial turtle species commonly known as the Red-footed Tortoise. Known for its striking red or orange scales on its limbs and head, this species is popular in the pet trade and is native to the tropical forests and savannas of South America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification DescriptionChelonoidis carbonarius typically has…
Caretta caretta (Loggerhead sea turtle)
The Caretta caretta, commonly known as the loggerhead sea turtle, is a marine species notable for its large head and robust body. As one of the ocean’s most migratory creatures, these turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, primarily through their influence on other species and their habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native…
Acanthochelys spixii (Spix’s Sideneck Turtle)
Acanthochelys spixii, commonly known as the spiny swamp turtle, is a freshwater species found primarily in the slow-moving rivers and marshy areas of South America. Notably characterized by its rugged carapace adorned with pointed scutes, this turtle is adapted to a life in densely vegetated waters, aiding in camouflage and protection from predators. Scientific Classification…
Acanthochelys radiolata (Brazilian Radiolated Swamp Turtle)
‘Acanthochelys radiolata,’ commonly referred to as the Southern Brazilian radiolated swamp turtle, is a fascinating species with specific characteristics and behaviors: Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Behavior Reproduction Conservation Economic Importance Interesting Facts Research Studies Recent studies have focused on the ecological role of Acanthochelys radiolata in its habitat,…
Acanthochelys macrocephala (Pantanal swamp turtle)
Acanthochelys macrocephala is a lesser-known turtle species. Here is a detailed description of this species according to the provided structure: Scientific Classification Common Names Acanthochelys macrocephala is commonly known as the Big-headed pantanal swamp turtle, Pantanal swamp turtle. Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Acanthochelys macrocephala prefers freshwater environments such as swamps, marshes, and…
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