VENEZUELA: In the effort to save turtles and caimans from extinction young animals are released to the wild in Guarico

Record ID: 859387

  • Title: VENEZUELA: In the effort to save turtles and caimans from extinction young animals are released to the wild in Guarico
  • Date: 16th May 2008
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF CAIMANS IN RIVER
  • Embargoed: 31st May 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location:
  • City:
  • Country:
  • Topics: Environment / Natural World
  • Reuters ID: LVA111VWFWMIT7ZV9553O2G53SQ7
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: As part of a conservation programme carried out by the Venezuelan Environmental Ministry, some 250 Orinoco caimans and 5,000 Arrau turtles were released back into the wild on Saturday (May 10).
    The Orinoco caiman, from the crocodile family, could once be found in most Venezuela and Colombian rivers. It's population is now limited to 2,500.
    The caiman measures up to four to six metres in a life span of 13 years. It and the Arrau turtle are in danger of extinction, in spite of the turtle being protected since 1946.
    Both creatures were released into a natural reserve in the central Venezuelan state of Guarico, located some 300 kms from the capital Caracas, after receiving special care during one year to prepare them to face predators.
    The purpose of the release programme is to promote the species' and avoid extinction.

    "We are feeing 250 Orinoco caimans and 5,000 Arrau turtles to give continuity to this conservation programme of a species that is in danger of extinction," said Environmental Conservation Deputy Minister, Miguel Rodriguez, who led the release.
    The Venezuelan Environmental Ministry plans to release some 935 caimans and 77,000 turtles this year.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register