What Happened
In a historic decision, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change included the Amazon turtle, also known as the yellow-spotted river turtle or tracajá, in the list of endangered species. This is the first time a freshwater turtle species has been classified as endangered, according to Marília Marini, general coordinator of conservation strategies at ICMBio, the Brazilian agency responsible for conservation units.
The classification of the six-tubercled Amazon river turtle (Podocnemis sextuberculata) as endangered is the result of a detailed assessment of the risk of extinction, which took into account the population decline of the species over the last 36 years, equivalent to three generations. According to the ICMBio's Biodiversity Risk Assessment System (SALVE), turtle populations declined by more than 50% in the states of Amazonas and western Pará, which account for approximately 70% of the species' total distribution.
Why It Matters
The inclusion of the Amazon turtle in the list of endangered species has significant implications for traditional communities that depend on it as a food source. The freshwater turtle is an important part of the culture and subsistence of these communities, and any action to protect the species must be carefully planned to not negatively impact these communities.
Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity in the Amazon can have severe consequences for the ecosystem as a whole. The Amazon is one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet, and the loss of species can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.
The Mechanism Behind the Threat
The main threat to the Amazon turtle is overhunting for human consumption. The freshwater turtle is an important food source for traditional communities, but overhunting can lead to population decline.
Additionally, habitat degradation and pollution are also significant threats to the Amazon turtle. The construction of dams, mining, and agriculture can alter the turtle's habitat and reduce the availability of food and shelter.
Broader Context
The inclusion of the Amazon turtle in the list of endangered species is part of a broader pattern of biodiversity loss in the Amazon. Many plant and animal species are threatened with extinction due to habitat degradation, overhunting, and climate change.
The Amazon is one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, and the loss of biodiversity can have severe consequences for the climate and human health. Protecting the Amazon and its species is essential for maintaining the health of the planet.
What's Next
The inclusion of the Amazon turtle in the list of endangered species is an important step towards protecting the species. However, concrete actions must be taken to protect the turtle and its habitat.
This may include the creation of protected areas, regulation of hunting, and education of traditional communities about the importance of conserving the turtle. Additionally, further research is needed on the biology and ecosystem of the turtle to better understand the threats it faces and how to protect it.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay.