CR

Palawan Forest Turtle

Siebenrockiella leytensis

Declining

Overview

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

The Philippine pond turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive collection for the international pet trade and local consumption. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development has fragmented remaining freshwater ecosystems across its limited range in the central Philippines. Mining activities and water pollution further degrade the aquatic environments essential for this species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater turtle inhabits shallow ponds, slow-moving streams, and wetlands in lowland areas of the central Philippines. It prefers areas with soft substrates and abundant aquatic vegetation, typically found at elevations below 500 meters.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical swamp· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· majorCaves and subterranean habitats· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Palawan Forest Turtle classified as Critically Endangered?
Palawan Forest 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 Philippine pond turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive collection for the international pet trade and local consumption. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development has fragmented remaining freshwater ecosystems across its limited range in the central Philippines. Mining activities and water pollution further degrade the aquatic environments essential for this species' survival.
Where does Palawan Forest Turtle live?
Palawan Forest Turtle occurs in Philippines. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Palawan Forest Turtle?
The main threats to Palawan Forest Turtle are 2.1, 3.2, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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