October, 2021. – With the aim of continuing the conservation of the taricaya turtles and helping families affected by the pandemic who depend on this economic activity carried out in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), he Ministry of Environment and Profonanpe, the Environmental Fund of Peru, announced the reactivation of the campaign "Adopt a taricaya turtle, conserve Pacaya".
From this week until November 11, all those who wish to get involved in the conservation and release of at least 12,000 specimens of this emblematic species can join this important campaign, which will also benefit more than 30 families from the ORMARENA groups in the communities of Arequipa and Buenos Aires, in the Yanayacu Pucate basin of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
«Due to Covid-19 and social distancing measures, many management and harvesting activities were paralyzed. As a result, taricaya turtle management groups in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve saw one of their main sources of income affected, impacting all the families involved in the management and conservation of this species,» said Carlos Sánchez, head of the Functional Operational Unit for Resource Management in Protected Natural Areas at Sernanp.
It is worth noting that more than 30 years ago, this species was on the verge of extinction, but thanks to the commitment and coordinated work of the State, Profonanpe, Academia and, above all, the native communities, its population is recovering.
How to help?
To contribute, various options have been implemented such as the use of Yape, direct bank transfer and digital payment methods such as Visa Niubiz and Paypal by entering here.
Remember that you can support the Pacaya Families starting at 4 soles. For your contribution, you will receive a virtual donation receipt certifying that you are a sponsor of the taricaya turtles.
What are taricayas?
The taricaya is a species of turtle from the family Podocnemididae It lives in the large rivers and lakes of the Amazon. Adult females weigh between 5 and 12 kilograms, while adult males weigh between 4 and 5 kilograms. Egg-laying naturally occurs on sandy and sandy-clay beaches located on the riverbanks and islands.
This species feeds on fruits and plants, but according to studies, it sometimes behaves as an omnivore. Its diet is based on aquatic plants such as huama, duckweed, fruits of riparian plants, and mollusks.
Until the early 1990s, the taricaya turtle was a victim of wildlife traffickers who traded it with impunity, endangering its survival. However, taricaya turtles now live in suitable conservation conditions and are part of the attractions of experiential tourism within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Loreto.
