Dermatemys mawii Genome sequencing and assembly

The Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii), also known locally as the hickatee is the only living species in the family Dermatemydidae. The species is currently found in the Atlantic drainages of Central America, specifically southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. It is a heavily exploited turtle and is currently classified as Critically Endangered and is listed as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. The Central American river turtle has been intensely harvested, primarily for its meat, but also for its eggs and shells.