A new species of freshwater turtle was discovered at the parade

A new species of freshwater turtle from the Amazon inhabiting streams around the Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park (Pesam) conservation unit (CU), municipality of São Geraldo do Araguaia, southeast of Paraense, Perema do Pará.

The discovery was made by researchers from the Federal University of Paraense (UFPA), Aquatic Ecology and Amazon Fisheries Center (NEAP/UFPA) based on the study of specimens from the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG) Herpetological Collection. Turtle Conservancy Project, Chelonian Research Foundation and ReWild.

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It is the scientific name of the species Mesoclemmys sabiniparaensisIt is called “sabini” after Andrew Sabini and “paraensis” after the province of Para.

Pesam is an integral protected CU located entirely within the municipality of São Geraldo do Araguaia and in a mountainous area, in the transition zone between the Amazon rainforest and Cerrado biomes, full of diverse ecosystems, beauty, scenic spots, waterfalls, records. – destroy archaeological sites, trails and other natural beauty.

The study began in 2018 and was led by Fabio Andrew Gomes Cunha, a herpetologist from the Federal University of Para (UFPA), based on a visit to the Herpetology Center (MPEG), which is considered the largest collection in the Amazon region and includes more than 100 individuals. thousands of amphibian and reptile specimens, the vast majority in alcohol and a few individuals preserved dry.

“We were describing a new species from the lower Amazon region, and while studying the animals kept at the Emílio Goeldi Museum, we found a group of turtles that are very similar to each other and completely different from each other. until this moment. It was something that jumped out at you,” he said.

According to the researcher Fábio Cunha, after the first contact, a detailed study was carried out based on DNA analysis of animal muscle tissue samples, morphological and anatomical differences, as well as genetic analysis of the natural history of these animals. .

“For a new species to be accepted by science, a morphological, genetic, behavioral comparison, its animal distribution, in addition to the physiology of the new species with all other species already described and known, must be made. It is a very detailed, slow process. From first contact with animals to publication takes several years; A lot of research was done over four years in this study,” he said.

According to Socorro Almeida, Director of Management and Monitoring of Conservation Units (DGMUC/Ideflor-Bio), the description of the new species reinforces the importance of the new species for the southeastern region of Pará state, with habitat around Pesam. of Nature Conservation Units for the conservation and protection of ecosystems.

“Para’s 27 State Conservation Units undoubtedly have a very rich genetic heritage, with many species yet to be discovered or recorded. For each new species discovery or report of an uncatalogued species, new management actions must be planned depending on the location within the CU to protect the species and treat them as they occur. owes to natural resources,” the official said. . .

Conservation and conservation

Socorro Almeida also notes that Ideflor-Bio promotes management measures in several axes where, as a fundamental component of research, the natural resources of the UC can be managed as a means of promoting the preservation and conservation of biodiversity in the province. Money.

The management of the conservation units is carried out by the (DGMUC) through nine responsible departments of the State (UC) divided into administrative districts located at strategic points in the state of Para.

“The activities include environmental education, biodiversity monitoring, community-based ecotourism, prevention and control of forest fires, management advice and other activities in order to sustain forests and ensure a healthy life on the planet,” he noted. .

Karla Bengtson, president of Ideflor-Bio, emphasizes the importance of Conservation Units (CU) to guarantee the protection of ecosystems and natural resources in the state of Para.

(UC) are land and water spaces that guarantee the protection of representative samples of the biodiversity of the Amazon, especially the populations of the fauna and flora species of the endangered Paran.

“With the results of research, “Ideflor-Bio” expands its activities on the preservation and protection of biodiversity, supports scientific research, sustainable development and environmental awareness measures, strengthens the Institute’s mission in the field of ecosystem protection.”

Publication of the article

A scientific paper describing the new species was published Dec. 14 in the journal Chelonian Conservation and Biology Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF-2002). It is a strategic partnership and funding coalition of leading turtle conservation organizations and individuals focused on the long-term survival of turtles and freshwater turtles.

The Chelonian Research Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1992 to produce, publish and support global turtle and tortoise research with a focus on Chelonian diversity and the scientific basis of conservation biology.

Rewild is a movement to build a world in balance with nature, created by actor Leonardo DiCaprio and a group of famous conservationists.

Rewild is a force multiplier that brings together indigenous peoples, local communities, influential leaders, NGOs, governments, businesses and the public to protect and restore wildlife at scale and speed.

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