VU

Podocnemis erythrocephala

Unknown

Overview

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

The Red-headed Amazon River Turtle faces severe pressure from intensive egg collection and adult harvesting for local consumption and commercial trade throughout its range. Habitat degradation from deforestation, mining activities, and dam construction along Amazonian waterways has reduced suitable nesting beaches and altered river flow patterns critical for reproduction. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns affecting river levels and temperature-dependent sex determination in nests.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, and flooded forests throughout the Amazon Basin, particularly in areas with sandy beaches suitable for nesting. It prefers quiet backwaters and tributaries with abundant aquatic vegetation and minimal human disturbance.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in PODOCNEMIDIDAE

VU

Peltocephalus dumerilianus

Unknown
VU

Podocnemis sextuberculata

Unknown
Madagascar Big-headed TurtleCR

Madagascar Big-headed Turtle

Erymnochelys madagascariensis

Declining
Podocnemis unifilisVU

Podocnemis unifilis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Podocnemis erythrocephala classified as Vulnerable?
Podocnemis erythrocephala 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 Red-headed Amazon River Turtle faces severe pressure from intensive egg collection and adult harvesting for local consumption and commercial trade throughout its range. Habitat degradation from deforestation, mining activities, and dam construction along Amazonian waterways has reduced suitable nesting beaches and altered river flow patterns critical for reproduction. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns affecting river levels and temperature-dependent sex determination in nests.
Where does Podocnemis erythrocephala live?
Podocnemis erythrocephala 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 Podocnemis erythrocephala?
The main threats to Podocnemis erythrocephala 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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