Procedure for Collecting Gastric Contents in Giant Amazon Turtles Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812)(Testudines, Podocnemididae)

Abstract

describes a method for collecting gastric contents from giant Amazon turtles (Podocnemis expansa) for research and conservation purposes. The procedure involves immobilizing the turtle on its back for the collection. A "mouth opener," made of a plastic tube with a flexible part, is used to keep the turtle's beak open while a flexible probe is introduced. After injecting a sterile saline solution and air, the gastric contents are aspirated. The size of the mouth opener and probe must be adjusted to avoid injury, and the volume of liquid must match the stomach’s capacity. This method, developed by the research team, effectively helps in identifying parasites and infectious microorganisms.