CR

Nubian Flapshell Turtle

Cyclanorbis elegans

Declining

Overview

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

Cyclanorbis elegans faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive harvesting for local consumption and commercial trade, with adults and eggs collected from nesting sites along riverbanks. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and dam construction has fragmented remaining populations, while water pollution from mining activities and agricultural runoff further compromises the aquatic ecosystems this species depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater turtle inhabits rivers, streams, and associated wetlands across West and Central Africa, particularly favoring areas with sandy or muddy substrates suitable for nesting. The species requires both aquatic environments for feeding and terrestrial nesting sites along riverbanks and floodplains.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryLegislation

Other threatened species in TRIONYCHIDAE

VU

Southern New Guinea Giant Softshell Turtle

Pelochelys bibroni

Unknown
VU

African Softshell Turtle

Trionyx triunguis

Declining
VU

Chinese Softshell Turtle

Pelodiscus sinensis

Declining
VU

Sri Lankan Flapshell Turtle

Lissemys ceylonensis

Declining

Threatened in Benin

Curlew SandpiperVU

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Olive ColobusVU

Olive Colobus

Procolobus verus

Declining
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
EN

Mutela franci

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Nubian Flapshell Turtle classified as Critically Endangered?
Nubian Flapshell 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. Cyclanorbis elegans faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive harvesting for local consumption and commercial trade, with adults and eggs collected from nesting sites along riverbanks. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and dam construction has fragmented remaining populations, while water pollution from mining activities and agricultural runoff further compromises the aquatic ecosystems this species depends upon.
Where does Nubian Flapshell Turtle live?
Nubian Flapshell Turtle occurs in Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria (plus 3 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 Nubian Flapshell Turtle?
The main threats to Nubian Flapshell Turtle are 1.2, 11.4, 3.2, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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