CR

Cuora trifasciata

Declining

Overview

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

The Chinese three-striped box turtle faces catastrophic population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the traditional medicine trade and food markets across East Asia. Wild populations have been virtually eliminated from most of their historical range, with remaining individuals heavily targeted by collectors who can sell specimens for hundreds of dollars each. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development has further fragmented the few remaining viable populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This semi-aquatic turtle inhabits shallow freshwater environments including ponds, streams, marshes, and rice paddies across southern China and northern Vietnam. They prefer areas with dense aquatic vegetation and muddy substrates that provide cover and foraging opportunities.

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cuora trifasciata classified as Critically Endangered?
Cuora trifasciata 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 Chinese three-striped box turtle faces catastrophic population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the traditional medicine trade and food markets across East Asia. Wild populations have been virtually eliminated from most of their historical range, with remaining individuals heavily targeted by collectors who can sell specimens for hundreds of dollars each. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development has further fragmented the few remaining viable populations.
Where does Cuora trifasciata live?
Cuora trifasciata occurs in China, Hong Kong SAR China, and Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cuora trifasciata?
The main threats to Cuora trifasciata are 2.1, 2.4, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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