Researchers from the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden, Germany, and international scientists have identified a new species of mata mata turtle through genetic analysis. Previously, the mata mata turtle (Chelus fimbriata) was considered the sole species in its genus. The newly described species, Chelus orinocensis, inhabits the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins, while Chelus fimbriata is confined to the Amazon basin and Mahury drainage.
Lead author Professor Mario Vargas-Ramírez of the National University of Colombia in Bogotá emphasized conservation concerns: “To date, this species was not considered endangered, based on its widespread distribution. However, our results show that, due to the split into two species, the population size of each species is smaller than previously assumed. In addition, every year, thousands of these bizarre-looking animals end up in the illegal animal trade and are confiscated by the authorities. We must protect these fascinating animals before it is too late.” The study reveals that the turtles diverged during the late Miocene period, around 13 million years ago, coinciding with the separation of the Amazon-Orinoco Basin into two river systems. This geographical split led to genetic divergence. The researchers recommend re-examining the IUCN classification for both species, as the discovery effectively splits the population into two distinct groups. Genetic analyses further showed phylogeographic differentiation: For C. orinocensis, there is moderate mitochondrial differentiation between the Orinoco and Río Negro basins. For C. fimbriata, more pronounced differentiation corresponds to different river systems, with one mitochondrial clade from the Amazon, Ucayali, and Mahury Rivers, and another from the Madeira and Jaci Paraná Rivers. The C. orinocensis in the Essequibo and Branco Rivers form a third clade clustering with C. fimbriata. Mata mata turtles are known for their unique appearance, featuring a bizarre head and body that resemble leaves or floating wood. Chelus fimbriata can exceed 2 feet in carapace length, though typical sizes range from 16 to 20 inches. While captive-bred in the United States, they are not common in the reptile hobby due to their large size and demanding care requirements. An abstract of the research paper, “Genomic analyses reveal two species of the matamata
