Pelodiscus sinensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Chinese softshell turtle faces severe pressure from intensive harvesting for food markets and traditional medicine, with wild populations declining rapidly across its range. Habitat degradation through wetland conversion, pollution, and dam construction has fragmented remaining populations. Climate change is altering the temperature-dependent sex determination of this species, potentially skewing population demographics and reducing reproductive success.
Habitat
Pelodiscus sinensis inhabits freshwater environments including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes with soft muddy or sandy bottoms where it can burrow. The species prefers shallow waters with abundant aquatic vegetation and requires suitable nesting sites along sandy or muddy shorelines for reproduction.
