More than a thousand Amazonian turtles were recently released in the Apayacu River basin, within the Ampiyacu–Apayacu Regional Conservation Area in Loreto. The specimens, which include taricayas (Podocnemis unifilis) and charapas (Podocnemis expansa), had been rescued from illegal trade in 2023 during a joint operation with Callao Customs. During the process, irregularities in export permits were detected, leading to the confiscation of the turtles. The National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor) reported that the animals were rehabilitated and deemed fit for reintroduction into their natural habitat after undergoing various technical and health evaluations. “Today we take an important step in the recovery of our biodiversity,” said Rudy Tapia, director of the Control of Forest Heritage Management and Wildlife at Serfor. The participation of the Yanayacu Native Community was crucial in this process. Additionally, the Community Surveillance Committee will be responsible for monitoring the released specimens, with the support of the Regional Government of Loreto. The release coincides with the Amazon flood season, which is beneficial for the turtles’ adaptation to their natural environment, where they play a crucial role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
