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Protect the World’s Largest Population of Giant South American River Turtles

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Project Overview

Deforestation, degradation, and hunting threaten critical nesting habitat for the largest remaining population of Giant South American River Turtles.

  • Species at Risk

    Giant South American River Turtle (EN), Giant Otter (EN), Yellow-spotted River Turtle (VU), Orinoco Goose (NT)

  • Carbon stored

    6,430,988 mT *

    *(metric tons of CO2 equivalents)
  • Partner

    Wildlife Conservation Society–Brazil

  • 22,606 Proposed Acres Conserved by

    Designation

  • Project Cost: $967,186
Brazil
Proposed Acres

22,606

Project Overview

Deforestation, degradation, and hunting threaten critical nesting habitat for the largest remaining population of Giant South American River Turtles.

  • Species at Risk

    Giant South American River Turtle (EN), Giant Otter (EN), Yellow-spotted River Turtle (VU), Orinoco Goose (NT)

  • Carbon stored

    6,430,988 mT *

    *(metric tons of CO2 equivalents)
  • Partner

    Wildlife Conservation Society–Brazil

  • 22,606 Proposed Acres Conserved by

    Designation

  • Project Cost: £767,607
Brazil
Proposed Acres

22,606

Highlights:

  • Giant South American River Turtles and their nesting grounds in the Amazon are highly vulnerable to poaching and deforestation, which have severely reduced their numbers.
  • We will work with Wildlife Conservation Society–Brazil to support creation of the 22,606-acre Guaporé Wildlife Refuge, which will protect habitat for 30% of the species’ global population.
  • The protected area will be managed by the Brazilian government with participation from local Quilombola (Afro-Brazilian), Indigenous, and riverine communities through a formal Management Council. Communities are key partners in conserving biodiversity and are expected to benefit from sustainable economic opportunities.

Each summer, 40,000 Giant South American River Turtles migrate to the banks of the Guaporé River to lay millions of eggs. Unlike any other turtle species, these mothers stay near their nests for months, only departing with their hatchlings in tow. This unique behavior leaves them vulnerable to poaching,  and the demand for turtle meat and eggs in local and international markets has decimated their numbers.

Header photo: Giant South American River Turtle ©Tarcisio Schnaider

Did you know?

30%

of female Giant South American River Turtles live in the Guaporé River.

Explore the Guaporé River

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One of the Giant South American River Turtle nesting locations ©WCS Brazil

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Female Giant South American River Turtles on the beach ©WCS Brazil

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Giant South American River Turtle hatchlings ©WCS Brazil

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Giant South American River Turtle hatchlings ©WCS Brazil

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Giant South American River Turtle leaving the beach after nesting ©WCS Brazil

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Giant otter and baby ©WCS Brazil

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Orinoco Goose ©slowmotiongli

Help protect the Giant South American River Turtle

With our local partner, Wildlife Conservation Society–Brazil, we will support the creation of the 22,606-acre Guaporé Wildlife Refuge to protect this critical breeding ground for the Endangered Giant South American River Turtle. This designation will protect turtles from traffickers and boat traffic, while halting deforestation and habitat degradation.

The Guaporé River provides habitat for 40,000 to 75,000 female Giant South American River Turtles, or 30% of the species’ global distribution, through the breeding season. Last year, the river’s largest sandbank held more than 40,000 females at once—the largest gathering ever recorded.

Support Conservation that Strengthens Livelihoods

The Guaporé Wildlife Refuge will be designated and managed by the Brazilian government, with strategies developed and implemented in collaboration with Afro-Brazilian Quilombola communities that live along the river. Our partner has worked for more than a decade to protect turtle nesting sites in partnership with riverine communities.

The refuge will also strengthen local livelihoods by creating jobs for protecting and patrolling turtle breeding areas, regulating boat traffic and beach access, and developing community-based tourism. Local researchers will apply drones, camera traps, and GPS devices to track turtle populations and behaviors, conduct biodiversity surveys, and enhance anti-poaching efforts.

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Conservation Action Fund
Conservation work is critical, challenging, and can be costly. We work hard to ensure we raise only the funds needed for each project. In the rare case we raise more money than needed or a project comes in under budget, excess monies will be transferred to the Conservation Action Fund. This fund supports our important conservation work throughout the tropics.

Project Modifications
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