Yellow-Spotted Amazon River Turtle

Podocnemis unifilis

Range

• Eastern & Central South America

Habitat

• Lakes, ponds, swamps, and lagoons.

Diet

• Mostly plants.

These side-necked turtles don’t pull their head straight into their shell. Instead, they curve their neck and tuck it between their front legs.

Both sexes are born with yellow spots on their heads. As they grow older, only the males keep their spots. These turtles are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night.