A recent genetic study has unveiled an exciting discovery: a new species of matamata turtle! Led by Senckenberg scientist Mr. Uwe Fitz and an international team, this research highlights the rarity of these turtles. Found only in the Orinoco and Amazon Basins in South America, these turtles are a rare sight in the wild. Depending on their habitat—whether in the Orinoco River or the Amazon Basin—they can be categorized into different types.
The most striking feature of the matamata turtle is its shell, also known as a carapace. Unlike other turtles, matamata turtles have a long, wide, and flat neck adorned with warts, ridges, and fringes. Their triangular heads, with eyes positioned on the sides, add to their unique look. While these turtles may not see well, they rely on their keen senses to detect movement around them. Interestingly, they aren’t great swimmers, which is a surprising twist for creatures of the turtle family.
Though they may appear cute, matamata turtles are fierce hunters. They patiently wait for their prey to come close, then strike with a wide-open mouth, creating a vacuum that pulls in their next meal.
An adult matamata turtle can weigh around 38 pounds (17.2 kilograms)—about the weight of an average 4-year-old child. Their shells can grow up to 1.5 feet (nearly 45 centimeters) long! The nesting season for these remarkable turtles runs from October to December. Females lay 12 to 28 eggs at the edges of forests, and these eggs take about 200 days to incubate.
What do you think about these rare and majestic creatures?
