Arrau

/əˈraʊ/ noun

Definition

A large South American freshwater turtle found in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, known for its impressive size and valuable eggs.

Etymology

From Portuguese 'arrau,' likely derived from Tupi indigenous languages of the Amazon basin. The name was adopted by European naturalists to describe this distinctively large species.

Kelly Says

The arrau turtle can weigh over 100 pounds and live for more than 50 years, and indigenous peoples have harvested its eggs sustainably for thousands of years—some river communities continue this tradition today.

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