They found the world's largest turtle species in Punta del Este

(From Montevideo, Uruguay) On the coast Jose IgnacioOne of the most exclusive resorts in Uruguay, appeared in the first days of January a Turtle Which will later be known to belong to The largest species in the world and threatened with extinction. They were fishermen from that area in Maldonado, who found this animal that does not usually approach the sand on the beaches of that country.

Gabriela Velez, director of the Karumbi Sea Turtle Centre, told local radio Shaab FM It is the type with seven columns. Its shell can reach two meters in length. The expert explained that it is a common animal in Uruguayan waters, but it does not usually approach the coast as other species do. Their approach generally occurs when animals are approaching adulthood.

The main diet of this type of turtle is live water (jellyfish) or other “gelatinous” organisms. Velez pointed out that between the months of January and May, these animals appear on the Atlantic coast, especially on the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean Maldonado and Rocha beachesEastern Uruguay. They are also common in areas within the mouth of the Río de la Plata River.

The director of the Sea Turtle Center explained that turtles usually stay away from people they see because of their fear. Although they are not aggressive animals, the specialist suggested that you should always be careful when approaching them.

The appearance of these turtles does not occur only in Uruguay: they are a species found in different parts of the world. Among experts there is concern about its preservation. “It's one of the lesser-known sea turtles. For a long time these specimens were difficult to find. “Many of them suffer from collisions with boats, so some may die from this,” Velez said.

The organization Velez heads has been working voluntarily on these issues for 25 years. Its main mission is to investigate the causes of the stranding of turtles, most of which suffer from some disease. “The first thing people do is throw them back into the sea, but it's not the most convenient“, he commented.

This is one of the suggestions that the organization published on its Instagram account. “Did the turtle appear stuck in the sand? Do not return it to the sea,” says one post. The organization explains that when these animals appear on the coast, it is because they are sick. He adds: “In our country, sea turtles do not lay eggs, so if they are in the sand “It means she has a problem.”

Uruguay's coast also had an unusual picture during the spring, when municipal officials were warned of the presence of dead animals. It was on the verge of Of lions and sea lions that died in the sand as a result of bird flu.

Then go Marine animals They expressed their regret over the appearance of these sea lions on their Instagram account and suggested staying away from the animals, a measure they suggested was “essential” to reduce the “risk of transmission” of the disease.

the Wolf Island (Located eight kilometers from Punta del Este) and Cape Polonio (In Rocha) are the Uruguayan places where these animals are most concentrated.

The appearance of animals on the coast of Uruguay has caused some unusual situations, such as a wolf emerging from the waters of the Rio de la Plata River, crossing the Montevideo Boardwalk, and entering a fountain in the garden of a building. Others appeared on Gorlero Street, the main street in Punta del Este, or sleeping at the bus station in that city.