Mesoclemmys dahli (Dahl’s Toad-headed Turtle o Carranchina turtle) is a species of freshwater turtle, which is distributed in the basin of the Magdalena River and the Sinú River, in the Zenú indigenous territory. This species inhabits slow water bodies of the savannas and has a mainly carnivorous diet; During their life cycle the females move to the mainland to nest in the dry season. In this period of its life, the females are captured by the inhabitants of the region to consume their meat and eggs, carrying out an exploitation that has led this species to near-extinction: it is listed as Critically Endangered (CR). In addition to the direct impact on populations, changes in land use have led to the destruction of the habitat of Mesoclemmys dahli. The objective of this work is to analyze the current state of the populations and threat of Mesoclemmys dahli in Colombia, in order to stimulate conservation strategies. The conclusions of the study show that comprehensive conservation measures are necessary to articulate conservation, education, sustainability and communication; to avoid imminent extinction. This study has the support of the Zenú indigenous community and regional universities.
Keywords: freshwater turtle, extinction, Zenú indigenous community, conservation.
