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Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle
Rafetus swinhoei
The world's rarest turtle — only two or three individuals are known to survive, and no breeding pair has been confirmed.
- Range
- VietnamChina
- Region
- Asia
- Habitat
- Large lowland rivers and lakes of the Red River and Yangtze basins
The story
Once revered in Vietnamese legend as the Golden Turtle God of Hoan Kiem Lake, this giant softshell has been reduced to a handful of animals in Vietnamese lakes and a Chinese zoo. Conservationists survey remote lakes with environmental DNA, hoping an undiscovered female still survives.
What's killing them
- Habitat destruction and dams
- Historic hunting
- Pollution
- Tiny, fragmented population
Who's fighting for them
Turtle Survival AllianceTurtle Survival Alliance
WCSWildlife Conservation Society
ZSL EDGEZoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence
Logos are the property of their respective organisations and link to their official sites.
Quick answers
How many Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtles are left in the world?
Approximately 2–3 known. The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle live?
The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle is found in Vietnam, China (Asia). Their habitat: Large lowland rivers and lakes of the Red River and Yangtze basins.
Why is the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle endangered?
The main threats to the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle are: Habitat destruction and dams; Historic hunting; Pollution; Tiny, fragmented population.
Who is working to save the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle?
Organisations working on Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle conservation include Turtle Survival Alliance; Wildlife Conservation Society; Zoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence.