Central American River Turtle

Dermatemys mawii

The Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii), also called the hickatee, is a large freshwater turtle reaching 60 cm carapace length and 22 kg. It has a smooth, dark brown to olive carapace and a pale, yellowish plastron. Found from southern Mexico through Belize to northern Guatemala, it inhabits rivers, large lagoons, and flooded forests at depths of 0 to 10 meters. This almost entirely aquatic species rarely basins and is primarily herbivorous, feeding on fallen leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants. It is the only living species in the family Dermatemydidae, representing an ancient lineage. Critically endangered due to overhunting for its meat, encountering one during a river or cenote dive is an exceptionally rare and significant wildlife experience that highlights the importance of freshwater habitat conservation.