The yellow-footed forest tortoise, called motelo in the Peruvian Amazon, is considered a delicacy and regularly eaten by Loretano people. It is believed to provide power and energy, especially to children and the infirm.

Fortunately it is widespread and the young mature quickly. Therefore it is not thought to be threatened by food hunting at the present time.

Unfortunately this has caused a severe decline in river turtles of the genus Podocnemis which are now endangered as a direct result of overhunting for meat and collection of eggs from the seasonal nesting beaches. 

Nevertheless turtle and tortoise eggs are sold daily in the Belen market during the low water season when the turtles nest on the sand playas exposed by the receding waters. Many of these eggs are poached inside protected nature reserves.