Mesoclemmys dahli
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahl's_toad-headed_turtle
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Mesoclemmys dahli faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development throughout its limited range in northern Colombia. The species is heavily exploited for local consumption and the pet trade, with adults frequently collected from remaining wetland areas. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities further degrades the aquatic environments essential for this turtle's survival.
Habitat
This freshwater turtle inhabits shallow wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving streams in the Caribbean coastal lowlands of northern Colombia. It prefers areas with dense aquatic vegetation and muddy substrates that provide both foraging opportunities and nesting sites.
