Committed to the conservation and preservation of endemic animals, the Colombian Navy, through the Navy Infantry Brigade No.1, recovered and released 16 Hicoteas turtles (Traquemys medime), which were being transported illegally on board a boat, in the general area of Riosucio - Department of Chocó.
Through revisions work carried out by the units of the River Navy Battalion No.16, on the banks of the Atrato River, it was possible to find the turtles in sacks, without the necessary conditions required by these animals.
Immediately communication was established with the Autonomous Regional Corporation of the Department of Chocó – CODECHOCÓ, who upon arriving at the site carried out the phytosanitary check of the turtles, and later in coordination with the Colombian Navy these animals were returned to their natural habitat for their survival.
The Traquemys medime turtle is an animal endemic to the Atrato, Sinú and Juradó rivers and among its main threats are the illegal trade for human consumption during the Easter season, or the burning of forests for extensive livestock during each drought season.
