[4] It is endemic to northern Colombia, where its home range consists of the Sinú, San Jorge, Cauca, and Magdalena river basins.

[6] Movement patterns are predicated on sex, body size, food availability, habitat quality, season, reproductive status, and life stage.

[11] While many anthropogenic factors have contributed to the decline of Magdalena River turtles, over-harvest and climate change are the most prominent.

[4] These include easing pregnancy recovery, curing diseases, boosting strength and longevity, and creating natural aphrodisiacs.

[5] Despite their high rates of survival as subadults and adults, their slow, r-selected growth means it takes a while for those stages to be reached.

[4] However, research efforts have been focused on finding more effective means on conservation, as understanding of the turtles' endangered nature is relatively novel.

[11][6] A study that compiled 16 ecological knowledge criteria of Colombian freshwater and tortoise species suggested that the Magdalena River turtle should receive top conservation priority.

[12] Studies are applying faster demographic modeling and surveying to better understand the species and establish practical conservation efforts.

[5] Surveying has shown that local Magdalena River turtle consumption habits have changed and knowledge of their ecological role has improved.

[11] This suggests that community-based strategies, including distribution of educational material, is proving effective in the conservation effort of Magdalena River turtles.