Searching for the San Juanico Mud Turtle

The San Juanico Mud Turtle (Kinosternon hirtipes magdalense) is the smallest freshwater turtle in the world. It inhabits only a small lake in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Despite attempts by several researchers, this turtle had not been found in more than 30 years. With the help of a small research grant from the Chelonian Research Foundation, I ventured to San Juanico to look for this elusive turtle.