CR

Mauremys mutica

Declining

Overview

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

The Yellow Pond Turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the traditional medicine trade and food markets across East Asia. Habitat destruction from urbanization and agricultural expansion has eliminated many freshwater wetlands where this species historically thrived. Water pollution from industrial runoff and agricultural chemicals further degrades remaining aquatic habitats, while introduced species compete for resources and nesting sites.

Threat summary

Habitat

Mauremys mutica inhabits slow-moving freshwater environments including ponds, marshes, rice paddies, and shallow streams with muddy bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation. The species prefers areas with soft substrates for burrowing and nearby terrestrial sites suitable for nesting.

Shrubland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Other threatened species in GEOEMYDIDAE

CR

Pangshura sylhetensis

Declining
Batagur baskaCR

Batagur baska

Declining
Heosemys annandaliiCR

Heosemys annandalii

Declining
CR

Heosemys grandis

Declining

Threatened in China

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Scaphophyllum speciosum

Unknown
VU

Nephrotoma lundbecki

Unknown
CR

Camellia fascicularis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mauremys mutica classified as Critically Endangered?
Mauremys mutica 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 Yellow Pond Turtle faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the traditional medicine trade and food markets across East Asia. Habitat destruction from urbanization and agricultural expansion has eliminated many freshwater wetlands where this species historically thrived. Water pollution from industrial runoff and agricultural chemicals further degrades remaining aquatic habitats, while introduced species compete for resources and nesting sites.
Where does Mauremys mutica live?
Mauremys mutica occurs in China, Laos, Taiwan, 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 Mauremys mutica?
The main threats to Mauremys mutica are 2.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.