Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: Annual Rite with Crocs and Turtles

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CARACAS, May 26 2008 (IPS) - Venezuela released some 900 young Orinoco crocodiles (Crocodylus intermedius), hatched in nurseries and biological research stations of the Environment Ministry. With releases occurring since late April, this annual ritual is increasingly successful in saving this endangered species, deputy minister for conservation, Miguel Rodríguez, told Tierramérica.

“The young are released into tributaries of the Orinoco River, which are home to some 15 populations of crocodiles, which are nearly disappeared from Colombia and in Venezuela there are about 2,500,” said Rodríguez. It is one of the largest crocodile species, with individuals measuring up to seven meters long.

Also in April and May, with the beginning of the rainy season, thousands of young turtles of the species Podocnemis expansa, or giant South American river turtle, are being released.