To my knowledge there is but one species of turtle native to the Las Cruces area (Kinosternon leucostomum) and one introduced species from the lowlands of Costa Rica (Chelydra serpentina). The first can be found in many small ponds around the station. The restaurant Muelle 17 in Agua Buena (good seafood) also kept a few in a tank (illegally, of course) when I was last there, if you want to get a close look at this beautiful turtle. I know that the snapping turtle Chelydra serpintina has been introduced from the lowlands (San Isidro region) in to at least one pond.

Kinosternon leucostomum
Chelydra serpentina

	Kinosternon leucostomum. Slide 1 of 2. This individual was found by one of the workers of Las Cruces (Mario Murillo) crossing the street between Las Cruces and San Vito.  Larger image not available yet.
	Kinosternon leucostomum. Slide 2 of 2. This turtle obtains its genus name (flexible sternum) from the two hinges (white arrows) on its plastron (ventral portion of shell), which allow the turtle to retreat within its shell and almost completely shut itself off from the outside world. Larger image
	Chelydra serpentina. The snapping turtle. Adults can grow to be large (this individual was over 50cm long) and can have a strong bite. This species has a very reduced, cross-shaped plastron. Larger image

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