Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle
EN

Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle

Geoemyda japonica

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryukyu_black-breasted_leaf_turtle

Overview

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

The Japanese Leaf Turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to overcollection for the international pet trade, where its distinctive appearance and small size make it highly sought after. Habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Japan has further fragmented remaining populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the temperature-dependent sex determination of this species, potentially skewing population demographics.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits deciduous and mixed forests with dense leaf litter, particularly favoring areas near streams and wetlands in mountainous regions. It requires forest floor environments with abundant fallen leaves that provide both camouflage and foraging opportunities for invertebrates.

Wetlands (inland)· major

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Tricarinate Hill TurtleEN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle classified as Endangered?
Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Japanese Leaf Turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to overcollection for the international pet trade, where its distinctive appearance and small size make it highly sought after. Habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Japan has further fragmented remaining populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the temperature-dependent sex determination of this species, potentially skewing population demographics.
Where does Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle live?
Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf 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 Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle?
The main threats to Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf 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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