The turtles were in worrying condition when they were found inside 3 abandoned packages on the banks of the river, presumably left by their captors when they noticed the presence of the naval institution.
This Friday, Colombian civil and military authorities took a significant step in the conservation of biodiversity by rescuing and releasing 300 charapa turtles in the departments of Arauca and Casanare, according to military sources.
The National Navy played a crucial role in finding 100 turtles during river registration and control operations along the banks of the Meta River, in the general area of the Santa María village, in Arauca. Simultaneously, in the municipality of Orocué, in Casanare, another 200 turtles were released into their natural habitat.
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These turtles were previously under the care of veterinarians at a shelter, who confirmed their good health and development after being recovered from captivity.
These species, scientifically known as ‘Podocnemis Expansa’, are endemic to the Orinoco and Amazonia and play a fundamental role in the river ecosystem.
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Their release is of vital importance, since they contribute to the control of the growth of aquatic plants and maintain the balance of the populations of other organisms and the dispersion of plants in river basins,” the authorities indicated.
With information from EFE.
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