VU

Mesoclemmys zuliae

Unknown

Overview

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

Mesoclemmys zuliae faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as wetlands in the Lake Maracaibo basin are drained for agriculture and urban development. Water pollution from oil extraction activities and agricultural runoff degrades remaining aquatic habitats, while collection for the pet trade has reduced wild populations. Climate change-induced alterations to seasonal flooding patterns further threaten this species' specialized wetland ecosystem requirements.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater turtle inhabits shallow wetlands, marshes, and seasonal pools in the Lake Maracaibo basin of northwestern Venezuela. It prefers areas with dense aquatic vegetation and soft substrates, typically in lowland regions with fluctuating water levels.

Other threatened species in CHELIDAE

Ranacephala hogeiCR

Ranacephala hogei

Declining
VU

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Unknown
Mesoclemmys dahliCR

Mesoclemmys dahli

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mesoclemmys zuliae classified as Vulnerable?
Mesoclemmys zuliae 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. Mesoclemmys zuliae faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as wetlands in the Lake Maracaibo basin are drained for agriculture and urban development. Water pollution from oil extraction activities and agricultural runoff degrades remaining aquatic habitats, while collection for the pet trade has reduced wild populations. Climate change-induced alterations to seasonal flooding patterns further threaten this species' specialized wetland ecosystem requirements.
Where does Mesoclemmys zuliae live?
Mesoclemmys zuliae 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 Mesoclemmys zuliae?
The main threats to Mesoclemmys zuliae 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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