| Tibisay Escalona |
| University of Missouri, St. Louis |
| Podocnemis unifilis as a local and commercial food resource in the lower Caura basin, Venezuela |
| Study Site/Location: Caura River basin, Venezuela |
| Species: Freshwater Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) |
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| Abstract: This study will investigate the use of the freshwater turtle Podocnemis unifilis as a local and commercial food source in the lower Caura River basin of Venezuela and assess the socio-economic benefits to local people. Preliminary studies suggest that a disproportionately large number of reproductive females are being removed from the population for local consumption. This study will gather information on local human exploitation on turtle eggs and meat. This information will help to determine the effects of human disturbance on these local turtle populations and will be used to develop conservation and management plans for this species. |
