The **Yabotí turtle (Chelonoidis denticulata)**, one of the largest land turtles in South America —can exceed **14 kilos**—, has returned to the **Argentinian Chaco** after decades of absence. Its return is the result of the **reintroduction project promoted by the Rewilding Argentina Foundation**, in conjunction with the El Impenetrable National Park.
The species, considered extinct in the region, can now be seen in the wild by park visitors. This marks **a milestone in wildlife conservation in the Gran Chaco**.
A key ally for forest regeneration
“The Yabotí turtle plays a fundamental ecological role as a seed disperser, key to regenerating native forests”, highlighted **Débora Abregú**, conservation coordinator at Rewilding Argentina.
The project began with the **transfer of 40 individuals from the Urutaú refuge in Paraguay**, where they had been rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking. These turtles were released between May 2022 and early 2023, and they are currently **fully adapted** to the Chaco environment.
Successful reproduction and constant monitoring
The conservation team documented **mating, egg laying, and diverse feeding patterns**, indicating that the released specimens have successfully integrated into their new habitat.
“We hope that the first eggs will soon hatch in the wild and we will begin to see Yabotí offspring walking through the woods”, explained Abregú, who reaffirmed that the main objective is to establish **a self-sustaining population**.
Participatory conservation and regenerative development
An essential component of the project is the **connection with local communities**. Rewilding Argentina works with residents on the development of **a regenerative economy based on nature tourism and wildlife observation**.
Communities not only benefit economically, but also actively participate in **reintroduction and monitoring projects**, strengthening their role as **guardians of the territory**.
El Impenetrable National Park: expanding biodiversity and tourism
The return of the Yabotí turtle adds to other emblematic species reintroduced in the park, such as the **giant anteater, the tapir, the maned wolf, and the jaguar**.
The **El Impenetrable National Park**, in the Chaco province, protects **128 thousand hectares** of native forests, grasslands, and wetlands. With sustained tourism growth, the area is establishing itself as a **key destination for conservation and sustainable development**.
For more information, travelers can visit elimpenetrable.org.
