CR

Platysternon megacephalum

Declining

Overview

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

The Big-headed Turtle faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive collection for the traditional medicine trade and food markets across Asia. Habitat destruction from dam construction and deforestation has fragmented remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow reproductive rate makes recovery nearly impossible once populations are depleted. Climate change is altering stream temperatures and flow patterns in the montane watersheds this species depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits fast-flowing, rocky mountain streams and rivers with clear, well-oxygenated water in forested watersheds. It requires areas with abundant rock crevices and overhanging vegetation for shelter, typically found at elevations between 200-1,500 meters across Southeast Asia and southern China.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislationPolicies and regulationsCompliance and enforcement

Threatened in Cambodia

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Platysternon megacephalum classified as Critically Endangered?
Platysternon megacephalum is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Big-headed Turtle faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive collection for the traditional medicine trade and food markets across Asia. Habitat destruction from dam construction and deforestation has fragmented remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow reproductive rate makes recovery nearly impossible once populations are depleted. Climate change is altering stream temperatures and flow patterns in the montane watersheds this species depends upon.
Where does Platysternon megacephalum live?
Platysternon megacephalum occurs in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR China, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand (plus 1 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Platysternon megacephalum?
The main threats to Platysternon megacephalum are 2.1, 5.1, 5.1.1, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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