Biology of the Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines, Pleurodira): The basal extant Podocnemididae species

Eduardo Gentil, Larissa Azevedo De Medeiros, Richard Carl Vogt, Adrian Ashton Barnett

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Articlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We review the extent and nature of scientific knowledge of the Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus, covering distribution, morphology, taxonomy, diet, behaviour, reproduction, and ecology. We discuss the phylogenetic position of the species and its evolutionary relationships with the other podocnemidids, comparing morphological, karyological and molecular information. Also, we describe the importance of this species and its relationship with traditional Amazonian communities, including capture techniques, uses, beliefs and taboos. Finally, we comment on the conservation status of the species and the urgent need for additional studies. Besides discussing and reinterpreting published data, we provide new information from recent genetic studies, field activities and captive observations.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)207-222
Number of pages16
JournalHerpetozoa
Volume34
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Oct 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Behaviour
  • Cabeçudo
  • Conservation
  • Diet
  • Distribution
  • Ethno-knowledge
  • Evolution
  • Morphology
  • Movements patterns
  • Reproduction

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