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Home > Turtle & Tortoise Database > Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Pelochelys cantorii, or Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. Known for its broad, smooth shell and secretive nature, this species spends most of its life buried in sand, surfacing only to breathe or feed. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: PelochelysSpecies: P. cantorii Common Names…
Pangshura sylhetensis, also known as the Assam Roofed Turtle, is a rare freshwater species found in parts of Northeast India and Bangladesh. It is small, brightly colored, and critically endangered due to habitat loss and limited distribution. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: PangshuraSpecies: P. sylhetensis Common Names Assam Roofed TurtleSylhet Roofed Turtle…
The wattle-necked softshell turtle (Palea steindachneri) is a unique freshwater turtle known for the fleshy wattles on its neck and its flat, leathery shell. It is a softshell species that spends most of its life underwater, using stealth and speed to survive. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: PaleaSpecies: Palea steindachneri Common Names…
The Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) is one of the smallest tortoise species in the world, adapted to arid desert environments. This critically endangered species is known for its pale coloration, which helps it blend into sandy habitats and reflect heat. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: TestudoSpecies: T. kleinmanni Common Names Egyptian TortoiseLeith’s…
Sternotherus depressus, also known as the Flattened Musk Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle found only in a limited area of Alabama, USA. Its flattened shell helps it hide under rocks in fast-flowing streams, making it well-adapted to life in clear, rocky waters. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: SternotherusSpecies: depressus Common Names…
Siebenrockiella leytensis, also known as the Philippine forest turtle, is a rare freshwater species native to the Philippines. This secretive turtle is highly endangered due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, making it one of the most sought-after and threatened turtles in the world. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: SiebenrockiellaSpecies: Siebenrockiella…
Sacalia quadriocellata, commonly known as the Four-eyed Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to parts of Asia. It is named for the two pairs of eye-like spots on the back of its head, which may serve as a defense mechanism against predators. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: SacaliaSpecies: Sacalia quadriocellata Common…
Nilssonia nigricans, commonly known as the Black Softshell Turtle, is a freshwater species native to South Asia. Once considered extinct in the wild, it survives mainly due to conservation efforts in temple ponds and protected areas. This species is known for its distinct dark-colored carapace and unique softshell structure. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder:…
Nilssonia leithii, commonly known as Leith’s Softshell Turtle, is a freshwater species native to India. This large softshell turtle is primarily found in rivers and reservoirs, though its population has declined due to habitat destruction and exploitation. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: NilssoniaSpecies: Nilssonia leithii Common Names Leith’s Softshell Turtle Identification Description…
Nilssonia formosa, commonly known as the Burmese peacock softshell turtle, is a rare freshwater species found in Southeast Asia. It is known for its striking appearance, featuring a pattern of eye-like spots on its carapace, resembling the feathers of a peacock. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: NilssoniaSpecies: Nilssonia formosa Common Names Burmese…
Ranacephala hogei, also known as Hoge’s side-necked turtle, is a rare freshwater species native to Brazil. This turtle belongs to the Chelidae family and is distinguished by its habit of tucking its head sideways rather than retracting it fully into the shell. Due to habitat destruction and other threats, it is considered one of the…
Rafetus swinhoei, known as the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, is one of the rarest turtles in the world. It holds the unfortunate title of being on the brink of extinction, with only a handful of individuals confirmed in existence. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: RafetusSpecies: R. swinhoei Common Names Yangtze Giant Softshell…
Orlitia borneensis, known as the Malaysian Giant Turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia. This species is highly aquatic and prefers deep, slow-moving rivers and lakes. Due to habitat loss and illegal trade, its population has declined significantly in recent years. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: OrlitiaSpecies: O….
Mesoclemmys dahli, commonly known as Dahl’s Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species recognized for its unique head shape and vibrant coloration. Native to specific regions in South America, this turtle plays a crucial role in its ecosystem and faces various conservation challenges. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Dahl’s Toad-headed Turtle is characterized…
Mauremys sinensis, commonly known as the Chinese stripe-necked turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to East Asia. Recognized by its distinctive neck stripes, this turtle plays a significant role in both its ecosystem and local economies. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mauremys sinensis features a moderately domed carapace adorned with yellow or orange…
Mauremys mutica, commonly known as the yellow pond turtle, is a freshwater species native to East Asia. Known for its distinctive coloration and adaptability, this turtle inhabits a variety of aquatic environments. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mauremys mutica typically has a dome-shaped shell with a yellow to brown coloration. The carapace features distinct…
Mauremys annamensis, commonly known as the Vietnamese Pond Turtle, is a critically endangered freshwater turtle species native to Vietnam. Its unique appearance and restricted distribution make it a key focus of conservation efforts. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: MauremysSpecies: Mauremys annamensis Common Names Identification Description:The Vietnamese Pond Turtle has a medium-sized shell,…
Manouria emys, commonly known as the Asian forest tortoise, is the largest tortoise native to mainland Asia. Known for its adaptability, it inhabits dense forests and is highly active compared to other tortoise species. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: ManouriaSpecies: Manouria emys Common Names Asian forest tortoiseBurmese brown tortoiseSix-legged tortoise Identification Description…
Malacochersus tornieri, commonly known as the pancake tortoise, is a unique species of tortoise known for its flat, flexible shell. Unlike most tortoises, it is adapted to live in rocky crevices, which provide protection and a distinct lifestyle. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The pancake tortoise has a flat, soft shell with a flexible…
The Vallarta mud turtle, Kinosternon vogti, is a small freshwater turtle endemic to Mexico. Known for its limited range and unique features, it thrives in specific habitats and faces conservation challenges due to its restricted distribution. Scientific Classification Common Names Vallarta mud turtle, Vogt’s mud turtle Identification Description The Vallarta mud turtle has a domed,…
Leucocephalon yuwonoi, known for its unique head coloring, is a freshwater turtle found in Sulawesi. It is not large but stands out due to its distinctive appearance and reclusive nature. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: LeucocephalonSpecies: Leucocephalon yuwonoi Common Names Sulawesi forest turtle Identification Native Origin and Distribution Geographical Range: They live…
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