The mystery photo that you just saw is a turtle.
There
are many different kids of turtles in the rainforest, although you will be lucky
if you see any. Turtles blend into the natural environment very well. Their shells
can often be mistaken for a rock on the ground or a log in the river.
Turtles
carry their homes on their backs. When it is time for the turtle to take nap,
they simply pull their head into their shell and go to sleep. All that remains
for the predators hungry eye is what seems to be a rock. Even if a potential predator
wants to eat the turtle, it will be very difficult since the hard exterior shell
protects the reptile. Because of this defense, turtles have few predators. Humans
are actually their biggest threat. They are hunted for their meat and their beautiful
shells.
Turtles eat a variety of different foods, and their
diets often change as they get older. When they are young, they eat almost anything
they can get their eyes on: salamanders, fish, insects, and frogs. As they get
older, they begin to feast more on plants and less on other animals.
These turtles are taking a break to hang out with some friends while soaking up
some sun.
