CR

Malaysian Giant Turtle

Orlitia borneensis

Declining

Overview

The Malaysian giant turtle or also known as the Bornean river turtle is a freshwater species of turtle in the family Bataguridae. It is monotypic within the genus Orlitia. It is found in Indonesia and Malaysia. In recent surveys it has been narrowed down to a small region in Southern Thailand, Singapore, Sumatra, and Borneo. The Malaysian giant turtle is currently not a protected species in its natural habitat.

The Malaysian giant turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the international pet trade and traditional medicine markets. Habitat destruction from palm oil plantations and logging operations has fragmented remaining populations across Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Dam construction and water pollution further degrade the freshwater systems this species depends on for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Orlitia borneensis inhabits slow-moving freshwater rivers, streams, and associated wetlands in lowland tropical rainforests. The species prefers areas with soft substrates, abundant aquatic vegetation, and overhanging forest canopy that provides shade and terrestrial food sources.

Wetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislationPolicies and regulations

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Malaysian Giant Turtle classified as Critically Endangered?
Malaysian Giant Turtle 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 Malaysian giant turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the international pet trade and traditional medicine markets. Habitat destruction from palm oil plantations and logging operations has fragmented remaining populations across Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Dam construction and water pollution further degrade the freshwater systems this species depends on for survival.
Where does Malaysian Giant Turtle live?
Malaysian Giant Turtle occurs in India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Malaysian Giant Turtle?
The main threats to Malaysian Giant Turtle are 2.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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