Giant South American River Turtle
(Podocnemis expansa)
Giant South American River Turtles inhabit freshwater rivers with sandy banks or sandbars, which are crucial for nesting.
FUN FACTS
Animal Class: Reptile.
Distribution: South America.
Habitat: Wetlands and Rivers.
Diet: Omnivorous. They primarily eat fruit, but also eat seeds, roots, leaves, freshwater sponges, small fish, crustaceans and molluscs.
Appearance: Their colour can be influenced by the algae that is attached to their shell, ranging from olive green to brown.
Size: Up to 30 inches.
Lifespan: 40+ years.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Data Deficient
Population Trend
Unknown
Threats
Habitat degradation and poaching of eggs and adults
Population
Unknown
Did you know?
The Giant South American River Turtle is one of the largest river Turtles in the world.
See our South American River Turtle!
Our Giant South American River Turtle is called Neptune and you can find him in the Reptile House.
CONTACT US
Zoo
01924 235276 / office@ponderosa-centre.co.uk
Lakeside Restaurant
01924 404604 / lakeside@ponderosa-lakeside.co.uk
Day Care
01924 404154
Ponderosa Zoo,
Off Smithies Lane,
Heckmondwike,
WF16 0PN
Opening Hours 10am – 5pm daily.
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