The Central American river turtle or Mesoamerican river turtle (Dermatemys mawii) locally known as the "hickatee" or tortuga blanca (white turtle) is the only living species in the family Dermatemydidae. Its closest relatives are only known from fossils.
It is a nocturnal, aquatic turtle that lives in larger rivers and lakes in Central America, from southern Mexico to northern Honduras. It is one of the world's most heavily exploited turtles and is classified a Critically Endangered species by the IUCN and is listed as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. The Central American river turtle has been intensely harvested, primarily for its meat, but also for its eggs and shells. The turtle has been nearly eliminated from much of its former range in southern Mexico.
Dermatemys species are fairly large turtles, attaining a maximum size of 65 cm (25 in) in carapace length, and they can weigh up to 22 kg (49 lb).
It has a flattened carapace, usually a solid grey or almost black in color. Its plastron is normally cream-colored. In the juvenile, a distinctive keel is found down the center of the carapace, and the outer edges have serrations. These features are lost as the turtle ages. Its skin is predominantly the same color as the shell, with reddish or peach-colored markings around the neck and underside. Males can be differentiated from females by yellow markings on either side of their heads, and longer, thicker tails.
Read more about Central American River Turtle: Reproduction, Conservation Status, Conservation Efforts in Belize, Captive Turtle Breeding Program in Belize
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