Podocnemis unifilis
VU

Podocnemis unifilis

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Yellow-spotted River Turtle faces severe pressure from overexploitation for its meat and eggs, which are highly valued in local markets throughout the Amazon basin. Nest harvesting is particularly devastating, with collection rates often exceeding 90% in accessible areas. Habitat degradation from deforestation, mining, and dam construction further fragments populations and reduces nesting beach quality.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, and flooded forests throughout the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It prefers areas with sandy beaches for nesting and abundant aquatic vegetation for feeding.

FRESHWATER· majorMARINE· majorFRESHWATER· 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
VU

Podocnemis erythrocephala

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Podocnemis unifilis classified as Vulnerable?
Podocnemis unifilis 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 Yellow-spotted River Turtle faces severe pressure from overexploitation for its meat and eggs, which are highly valued in local markets throughout the Amazon basin. Nest harvesting is particularly devastating, with collection rates often exceeding 90% in accessible areas. Habitat degradation from deforestation, mining, and dam construction further fragments populations and reduces nesting beach quality.
Where does Podocnemis unifilis live?
Podocnemis unifilis 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 unifilis?
The main threats to Podocnemis unifilis 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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