The central American river turtle lives in river with swift currents especially those that cross the plains of eastern Mexico. Most of the population of this turtle lie within  the Yucatan  Peninsula  Of Mexico and Belize. 

    Breeding Habits: The laying of eggs takes place twice a year, during spring and winter. Each female Central American River Turtle digs a hole up near the water that holds up to 20 eggs at a time. While it is building the nest the female drinks water regularly so that it can keep the sandy walls moist and prevent them from crumbling. The female carefully covers the nest to disguise  it from predators.

    Reasons for endangerment: During  colonials boat crews landing on the coasts hunted the coasts hunted the Central American River Turtle for its nutritious meat. Later This Turtle became a regular part of the settlers diet. Since then and especially  over the last few years there has been a serious decline in the species  due to indiscriminate hunting for food and for sport. Hunting turtle continues because there are no adequate measures to protect it. 

    Conservation measures: Mexican law prohibits the capture of any Central American river turtle less than 1 3 feet long. This law has not been effective in cabins species however especially behaves there is no law regarding the number of turtles that can be captures at a time.