Trivia
The species was named in honor of Father Cornelius Vogl (1884–1959), a German/Venezuelan priest and naturalist who collected the type specimen. It is also known by the local name 'galápago sabanero' in Venezuela.
Overview
The Llanos sideneck turtle, also known as the savanna sideneck turtle or galápago sabanero, is a medium-sized freshwater turtle endemic to the Llanos region of Colombia and Venezuela.
Scientific Name
Podocnemis vogli
Ecological Habits
Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, fruits, and invertebrates. Inhabits savanna rivers, ponds, and seasonal wetlands. Females nest on sandy banks during the dry season. Basking behavior is common. Primarily diurnal.
Major Threats & Conservation
Threatened by overhunting for meat and eggs, habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion, and pollution. Conservation measures include protected areas within its range. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and regulated under CITES Appendix II.
Morphological Characteristics
Carapace is dark brown to black, moderately domed, with a smooth surface. Plastron is yellowish with dark markings. Head is moderate with a single chin barbel. Males reach up to 27.7 cm SCL, females up to 36.9 cm SCL (Pritchard and Trebbau 1984; Thorbjarnarson et al. 1997; Viloria and Forti 2015).
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Native to Colombia (departments of Arauca, Casanare, Guaviare, Meta, Vichada) and Venezuela (states of Amazonas, Anzoátegui, Apure, Barinas, Bolívar, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Guárico, Monagas, Portuguesa). Introduced in Lara and Zulia, Venezuela. Estimated indigenous AOO: 364,561 sq km; EOO: 906,029 sq km. IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU A2cd+4cd). CITES Appendix II.