INTRODUCTION 
It is a truism that no study of geographical distribution can 
be better than its primary data. In this respect South American 
herpetology has not been fortunate. Few papers published in recent 
years are based on ample, correctly interpreted locality records. 
Difficulties with foreign languages contribute to the problem 
at all stages, from the first spelling of the locality in the 
field, to transcribing handwritten or printed names, to refereeing, 
and to proofreading. Lack of historical knowledge and of 
collateral reading add their share of errors. In some cases, 
unawareness of distributional patterns on a subcontinental scale 
and lack of personal acguaintance with ecological features lead 
zoologists familiar with a given corner of South America to 
uncritical extrapolations. 
I find it necessary to discuss some recent cases of more than 
trivial relevance. Unfortunately, these are but examples of 
problems that continue to arise. 
THE DISTRIBUTION OF GEOCHELONE CARBONARIA 
AND G. DENTICULATA 
Pritchard and Trebbau (1984), in their "The Turtles of 
Venezuela" have attempted to place the fauna of that country in a 
continent-wide context. They have, among other things, compiled 
very extensive locality lists. These lists are certain to become 
standard references, but their very uneven guality has led to some 
unsound conclusions. 
In what I consider the most important case, Pritchard and 
Trebbau state (loc.cit: 4) that "... in the discussion of 
Geochelone carbonaria . for which subspecies, though definable, have 
not yet been recognized, we have indulged in a more detailed 
geographic analysis of the entire species." It is my point that 
their discussion is not well grounded. 
Their problems begin with the type locality (loc. cit .: 207): 
"Type locality: 'Capitary' (?), Rio Amazonas, Brazil." Spix's 
(1824: 23) actual statement is: "Habitat, sub cognomine 'Capitary' 
(?) ad flumen Amazonum" or translated: inhabits, under the 
appellation Capitari (?) the vicinity of the river of the Amazon. 
There is no place called "Capitary" in the Spix and Martius 
itinerary (Vanzolini, 1981). The guestion mark most probably 
refers to the application to a tortoise of the name "capitari", 
usually restricted to male Podocnemis expansa . but not infrequently 
applied to large males of other species. There is good reason 
