Erymnochelys madagascariensis
CR

Erymnochelys madagascariensis

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

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

The Madagascar big-headed turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive harvesting for local consumption and international pet trade. Habitat degradation from slash-and-burn agriculture, mining activities, and dam construction has fragmented remaining freshwater ecosystems. Introduced species and water pollution from agricultural runoff further compromise the limited suitable habitat across western Madagascar's river systems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater turtle inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, and associated wetlands in western Madagascar's dry deciduous forests. It prefers areas with muddy substrates, abundant aquatic vegetation, and overhanging riparian forest that provides shade and terrestrial nesting sites.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Erymnochelys madagascariensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Erymnochelys madagascariensis 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 Madagascar big-headed turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive harvesting for local consumption and international pet trade. Habitat degradation from slash-and-burn agriculture, mining activities, and dam construction has fragmented remaining freshwater ecosystems. Introduced species and water pollution from agricultural runoff further compromise the limited suitable habitat across western Madagascar's river systems.
Where does Erymnochelys madagascariensis live?
Erymnochelys madagascariensis occurs in Madagascar. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Erymnochelys madagascariensis?
The main threats to Erymnochelys madagascariensis are 11.1, 2.1, 4.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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