| Keyword |
Description |
| Endangered |
A species at serious risk of disappearing because very few are left |
| Trafficking |
The illegal buying, selling, or transporting of animals or plants |
| Conservation |
Protecting and helping wildlife and ecosystems to survive and thrive |
A baby Vallarta mud turtle, the world’s smallest species of turtle, recently hatched at the Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico, which was a big moment for animal conservationists. This tiny turtle weighed only 2.8 grams and measured 2 centimeters, making it roughly the size of a coin. The Vallarta mud turtle (Kinosternon vogti) is a very rare animal that scientists only discovered in 2018 near Puerto Vallarta. Today, experts estimate there may be as few as 300 to 500 individuals left, making the species critically endangered.
The biggest threats to these turtles are habitat destruction, illegal trafficking for the pet trade, and pollution caused by growing cities near their river and wetland homes. Sometimes, criminals even pretend to be animal welfare officials to steal these turtles, which makes the problem worse. Because so few are left in the wild, every newborn turtle is important for survival of the species.
At the zoo, specialists are working hard to protect this species. They care for adult turtles, watch over eggs, and hope to breed more babies safely. The baby turtle born here, nicknamed “Crumb,” gives hope that more turtles could be successfully raised under protection. Six more eggs from the same parents might hatch soon. If all goes well, conservationists plan to let future young turtles return to the wild when it’s safe, helping to rebuild wild populations without risking their safety.
The story of the Vallarta mud turtle shows how important conservation is and how human activity—good and bad—can affect even the tiniest creatures.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Moment |
Momento |
| Rare |
Raro |
| Protection |
Protección |
Time to discuss
- What makes the Vallarta mud turtle unique compared to other turtles?
- Why is it important to have conservation programs for endangered animals?
- What can people do to help protect the Vallarta mud turtle in the wild?
Let's write
- What challenges does the Vallarta mud turtle face for its survival, and how do these challenges affect its population?
- Explain how the work of the Guadalajara Zoo can help prevent the extinction of the Vallarta mud turtle. Why are their efforts important?
