Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle
Rafetus swinhoei
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangtze_giant_softshell_turtle
Overview
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle, also commonly known as the Red River giant softshell turtle, the Shanghai softshell turtle, the speckled softshell turtle, and Swinhoe's softshell turtle, is a critically endangered species of turtle in the family Trionychidae. It is one of the largest living freshwater turtle species. Native to eastern and southern China and northern Vietnam, the species has a known population of only two individuals, and the absence of fertile females has rendered it functionally extinct.
The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle faces imminent extinction with only a handful of individuals remaining worldwide. Decades of overharvesting for food and traditional medicine, combined with dam construction fragmenting river systems, have devastated populations. Pollution from industrial development along the Yangtze River has degraded water quality in remaining habitats. The species' extremely slow reproductive rate and late sexual maturity make recovery nearly impossible at current population levels.
Habitat
Inhabits large freshwater river systems, particularly the Yangtze River basin and Red River system in Vietnam and China. Prefers deep pools and slow-flowing sections with soft sediment bottoms where it can burrow and ambush prey.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in TRIONYCHIDAE
Threatened in China
Frequently asked questions
Why is Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle live?
What are the main threats to Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle?
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