Tracy KarplusViews:
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“The Magdalena River Turtle (Podocnemis lewyana) is a Colombian endemic classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. While this species is threatened by traditional and commercial harvest, habitat loss and degradation, nest poaching, and pollution, fishing alliances in the middle Magdalena valley communities of Carare and Chucurí are working to protect this iconic river turtle with support from NGOs like WCS Colombia, Turtle Survival Alliance, Fundación Humedales, and others. There is very little police presence to enforce the law in rural areas, meaning community-led conservation is critical to the survival of this species. In this photo by Callie Broaddus, a group of conservationists, scientists, and community members release six turtles during an initial survey of the river for potential conservation projects.” – Callie Broaddus
Thank you for sharing your photo with us and for your dedication to conservation, Callie! Please follow Callie Broaddus at @calliebroaddus on Instagram and learn more about her work to conserve threatened species through youth action at www.reservaylt.org or @reservaylt on Instagram.
