Central American River Turtle (Hicatee)

Overview

The only living member of the family Dermatemydidae, and the most aquatic of all freshwater turtles, rarely leaving the water. It has a large, heavy, dark brown shell with a prominent keel and strong webbed feet. Purely herbivorous, it feeds on aquatic vegetation and is heavily hunted for its meat, driving severe declines.

Classification

The Central American River Turtle (Hicatee) belongs to the suborder Cryptodira (hidden-neck turtles) and the family Dermatemydidae. It is a monotypic family represented by the Central American river turtle, a large wholly aquatic species of rivers and lakes. Its scientific name is Dermatemys mawii.

Appearance & Distinguishing Features

It has a smooth, grey to olive rounded shell, a large head with a broad snout, and webbed feet, growing to roughly 60 cm and over 20 kg.

Habitat & Distribution

It lives in large rivers and lakes of Atlantic Central America, rarely leaving the water except to nest on sandy banks.

Diet & Feeding

It is largely herbivorous, consuming fallen fruits, leaves, and aquatic vegetation.

Behavior & Conservation

It is critically endangered and listed under CITES Appendix I; historically overhunted for its meat, it is now protected but still threatened by illegal capture.

Popularity & Recognition

Known locally as the 'hickatee', it is a conservation priority and one of the most endangered turtles in the region.