Since ancient time Chontales have used it as an ingredient in their traditional kitchen so next to other turtle species (jicotea and mojina), pochitoque has a huge demand among people of these Chontal communities as well as in restaurants of typical food.

[citation needed] The pochitoque is a main character in some Chontal legends.

[citation needed] This turtle is vulnerable because it is eaten by locals and because of its limited range.

[6] According to Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM059 ECOL 2001), this species has a special protected status.

[7] Communities in some states in Mexico dedicate their efforts to creating hatcheries to maintain and increase the species' numbers.