A small, unusual freshwater turtle found only in the dry forests and streams of northern Colombia. At first glance, its look is what grabs attention: it has a broad, flat head with a rounded snout and large, wide-set eyes that give it a “toad-like” expression—hence the name. Its shell is oval and somewhat flattened, usually brown or olive, which helps it blend in with muddy stream bottoms. Unlike many other freshwater turtles, widespread across regions, the Dahl’s toad-headed turtle has a very restricted range, making it rare and different from its better-known relatives. Its unique head shape, secretive habits, and limited distribution set it apart as one of Colombia’s most distinctive turtles.

This turtle prefers shallow streams, small pools, and wetlands surrounded by tropical dry forest—a habitat that is among the most endangered in South America. It spends much of its time in water but can also be found resting in shaded spots on land when the pools dry up. Its wide, blunt head is an adaptation for crushing hard-shelled prey, a feature that makes it different from narrow-headed turtle species that focus more on soft foods. Because of the seasonality of its home region, the Dahl’s toad-headed turtle has to be tough and adaptable, surviving periods when streams shrink or even disappear for weeks at a time.

The restricted and vulnerable nature of the turtle makes it especially distinct from other turtles. It exists only in a small area of Colombia, and its numbers have dropped sharply due to habitat loss from agriculture, deforestation, and cattle ranching. Unlike many freshwater turtles across countries and continents, this one lives in just a few isolated pockets.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Colombia

2,000

Official estimate

CR

1996