The hickatee (Dermatemys mawii) or in Spanish tortuga blanca ('white turtle'), also called the Central American river turtle, [9] is the only living species in the family Dermatemydidae. The species is found in the Atlantic drainages of Central America, specifically Belize, Guatemala, southern Mexico and probably Honduras.

The hickatee (Dermatemys mawii) or in Spanish tortuga blanca ('white turtle'), also called the Central American river turtle, is the only living species in the family Dermatemydidae. The species is found in the Atlantic drainages of Central America, specifically Belize, Guatemala, southern Mexico and probably Honduras. It is a relatively large ...

Dermatemys mawii, commonly known as the Central American river turtle, is a critically endangered freshwater species native to Central America. It is one of the few fully aquatic turtles in the region and is known for its nocturnal habits, making it …

The Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii), also known locally in Belize as the hicatee, is the only living species in its family. Its closest relatives are only known from fossils. This fascinating river turtle has separated from all other living turtles about 80 million years ago.

2023年10月1日 · The Central American River Turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in Central America, growing up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) in length. They have elongated heads and large nostrils, and the males can be identified by the yellowish crown on top of their head.

These river turtles (Dermatemys mawii) are most closely related to the mud and musk turtles (family Kinosternidae). The fossil record of this family is extensive, with the earliest material being from the Lower Cretaceous in Asia, and abundant remains in North and Central America, Europe, and Africa during the Tertiary.

The Critically Endangered Central American river turtle is the sole surviving species of an historically widespread family of turtles. However, the entire lineage is now restricted to parts of Belize, southern Mexico and Guatemala. The Central American river turtle diverged from all other living turtles around 80 million years ago.

The Central American river turtle, known colloquially as hickatee or tortuga blanca, is one of the ten most endangered freshwater turtles on earth and as its closest relatives only exist as fossils, it is the sole living species in its previously widespread family Dermatemydidae.

Central American river turtles inhabit large, open rivers and permanent lakes. Although they prefer clear freshwater, the turtles are sometimes found in brackish water (mixture of salt water and freshwater). The main threat to the Central American river turtle is hunting by humans.

The Central American river turtle, Dermatemys mawii, has a very short tail and a wide plastron which is connected to the upper part of the shell by a wide bridge. Adult shells are about 12-24 in (30-60 cm) long and are an olive green color above and a yellowish color below.