Brazilian police and environmental groups have rescued 327 Amazon turtles from hunters this month.

The flesh and eggs of the large South American river turtle are a delicacy in Amazonian cuisine.

Also known as the Arrau or Tartaruga-da-Amazonia, the turtle is easy prey from November to February, when thousands go to river shores to lay their eggs.

The turtle can measure up to nearly a yard in length, fetching up to £150 in illegal animal markets.

Most of the animals saved were adult females.

Environmental enforcement agent Azemar Marques says six people were arrested on charges of trafficking in wild animals, racketeering, and mistreating animals. They are being held in jail pending trial.