Dermatemys mawii
CR

Dermatemys mawii

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hickatee

Overview

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

The Central American River Turtle faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive harvesting for its meat and eggs, which are considered delicacies throughout its range. Habitat destruction from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and dam construction has fragmented remaining populations and degraded critical nesting sites. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises the aquatic ecosystems this species depends upon for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This large freshwater turtle inhabits slow-moving rivers, lagoons, and wetlands across Central America, from southern Mexico through Guatemala and Belize. It prefers areas with muddy bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation, requiring both deep water refuges and accessible riverbank areas for nesting.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical mangrove vegetation· majorMarine intertidal· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationCompliance and enforcementLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

Threatened in Belize

EN

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Tapirus bairdii

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VU

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Mazama pandora

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VU

Elacatinus prochilos

Unknown
VU

Crax rubra

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dermatemys mawii classified as Critically Endangered?
Dermatemys mawii 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 Central American River Turtle faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive harvesting for its meat and eggs, which are considered delicacies throughout its range. Habitat destruction from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and dam construction has fragmented remaining populations and degraded critical nesting sites. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises the aquatic ecosystems this species depends upon for survival.
Where does Dermatemys mawii live?
Dermatemys mawii occurs in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dermatemys mawii?
The main threats to Dermatemys mawii are 5.3, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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