Estudo teórico sobre a conservação de quelônios na Via Lago, em Araguaína-TO

Abstract

Urban expansion has altered several spaces in the environment, adapting them to human needs. In Araguaína - TO, the process of urbanization and later industrialization negatively impacted the river that runs through the city, and currently continue to impact. Chelonians of the species Podocnemis unifilis are one of the most easily observed vertebrates in Via Lago, one of the branches of the Lontra River. These animals are subject to different types of anthropic pressures, therefore, this work discusses, based on the literature, the importance of conservation of chelonians in the city of Araguaína. It is understood that every species must be conserved to maintain biodiversity and genetic diversity, in addition, chelonians act as important links in the maintenance of natural cycles. Mismanagement of natural resources can end up contributing to contamination by trace elements, loss of ecosystem services, intensification of the circulation of zoonoses etc. Therefore, it is understood that the conservation of turtles in Via Lago is an important activity in itself and in terms of aspects related to the balance of the region's ecosystem and human health.