Sacalia bealei
EN

Sacalia bealei

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beale's_eyed_turtle

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Sacalia bealei faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the traditional medicine trade and food markets across its range. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development has fragmented remaining populations, while water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge degrades the aquatic environments essential for this semi-aquatic turtle. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, affecting the seasonal water levels critical for breeding and foraging behaviors.

Threat summary

Habitat

Sacalia bealei inhabits slow-moving freshwater streams, ponds, and rice paddies in subtropical regions of southern China and northern Vietnam. This semi-aquatic species prefers shallow waters with muddy substrates and abundant aquatic vegetation, often utilizing agricultural waterways and constructed wetlands.

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sacalia bealei classified as Endangered?
Sacalia bealei is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Sacalia bealei faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the traditional medicine trade and food markets across its range. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development has fragmented remaining populations, while water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge degrades the aquatic environments essential for this semi-aquatic turtle. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, affecting the seasonal water levels critical for breeding and foraging behaviors.
Where does Sacalia bealei live?
Sacalia bealei occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sacalia bealei?
The main threats to Sacalia bealei are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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