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Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon Vogti) ᡣ𐭩
This is a very special turtle. Not only is the world’s smallest turtle, measuring no more than 10 centimeters long, but also, males of this species have a distinctive yellow shield on their noses.
The Vallarta Mud Turtle was discovered in 2018, and since then, it was known that its populations were severely threatened by urbanization. Today is the most endangered turtle species in Mexico, and the most endangered in the Americas.
In August 2025, the Guadalajara Zoo celebrated the first captive birth of the species, a significant achievement for conservation efforts due to the turtle's severe threats from habitat loss and illegal trafficking.
turtle-island.org
"In January 2025, tragedy struck when Vallarta Mud Turtles were stolen from our conservation facility in Puerto Vallarta in a targeted act of wildlife theft. This devastating loss not only threatened the future of a Critically Endangered species but also highlighted the urgent need for stronger protective measures and greater global awareness of the growing threat to rare and vulnerable wildlife."
"In response, we acted swiftly. The facility has since been upgraded with electric fencing, high-security locks, motion sensors, alarms, and an emergency power generator to ensure this never happens again."
"Fortunately, our assurance colony at Turtle Island in Austria remains safe and secure. This population now plays an even more vital role in safeguarding the species’ future, serving as a genetic reservoir for eventual rewilding once protected habitats are secured."
This is a very special turtle. Not only is the world’s smallest turtle, measuring no more than 10 centimeters long, but also, males of this species have a distinctive yellow shield on their noses.
The Vallarta Mud Turtle was discovered in 2018, and since then, it was known that its populations were severely threatened by urbanization. Today is the most endangered turtle species in Mexico, and the most endangered in the Americas.
In August 2025, the Guadalajara Zoo celebrated the first captive birth of the species, a significant achievement for conservation efforts due to the turtle's severe threats from habitat loss and illegal trafficking.
The Vallarta Mud Turtle | Mexico
Discover Mexico’s hidden gem, the Vallarta Mud Turtle! Join our conservation efforts and help save the world’s smallest turtle species. Learn more & act now!
turtle-island.org
"In January 2025, tragedy struck when Vallarta Mud Turtles were stolen from our conservation facility in Puerto Vallarta in a targeted act of wildlife theft. This devastating loss not only threatened the future of a Critically Endangered species but also highlighted the urgent need for stronger protective measures and greater global awareness of the growing threat to rare and vulnerable wildlife."
"In response, we acted swiftly. The facility has since been upgraded with electric fencing, high-security locks, motion sensors, alarms, and an emergency power generator to ensure this never happens again."
"Fortunately, our assurance colony at Turtle Island in Austria remains safe and secure. This population now plays an even more vital role in safeguarding the species’ future, serving as a genetic reservoir for eventual rewilding once protected habitats are secured."
