CR

Wattle-necked Softshell Turtle

Palea steindachneri

Declining

Overview

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

Palea steindachneri faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and habitat degradation in the Yangtze River system. Dam construction has fragmented its riverine habitat and altered natural flow patterns essential for spawning. Water pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff has further compromised water quality in its remaining range.

Threat summary

Habitat

This large freshwater fish inhabits the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River system in China, preferring deep river channels with moderate to fast currents. It typically occupies areas with rocky or sandy substrates where it can forage for mollusks and other benthic prey.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionResource & habitat protectionSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Wattle-necked Softshell Turtle classified as Critically Endangered?
Wattle-necked Softshell 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. Palea steindachneri faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and habitat degradation in the Yangtze River system. Dam construction has fragmented its riverine habitat and altered natural flow patterns essential for spawning. Water pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff has further compromised water quality in its remaining range.
Where does Wattle-necked Softshell Turtle live?
Wattle-necked Softshell Turtle occurs in China, Hong Kong SAR China, Laos, Mauritius, United States, and Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Wattle-necked Softshell Turtle?
The main threats to Wattle-necked 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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