VU

Chinese Softshell Turtle

Pelodiscus sinensis

Declining

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.

Threat summary

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.

Other threatened species in TRIONYCHIDAE

CR

Nubian Flapshell Turtle

Cyclanorbis elegans

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EN

Zambezi Flapshell Turtle

Cycloderma frenatum

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VU

Southern New Guinea Giant Softshell Turtle

Pelochelys bibroni

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Black Softshell TurtleCR

Black Softshell Turtle

Nilssonia nigricans

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Chinese Softshell Turtle classified as Vulnerable?
Chinese Softshell Turtle is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. 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.
Where does Chinese Softshell Turtle live?
Chinese Softshell Turtle occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Chinese Softshell Turtle?
The main threats to Chinese Softshell Turtle are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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