Lesser Chinese softshell turtle
Species of turtle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The lesser Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus parviformis) is a species of turtle in the family Trionychidae.[3] It is endemic to China, where it inhabits a small range in Guangxi and Hunan provinces. Populations of this species in Vietnam and Hainan are now considered to belong to a separate species, the spotted softshell turtle (P. variegatus).[4][5]
| Lesser Chinese softshell turtle | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | Trionychidae |
| Genus: | Pelodiscus |
| Species: | P. parviformis |
| Binomial name | |
| Pelodiscus parviformis Tang, 1997[2] | |
There is some controversy within researchers over whether or not P. parviformis is a valid species. Yang et al. (2011) deemed it a valid species.[6] Reptile Database commented that due to a lack of a revised diagnosis in this study, this species is still somewhat of unclear status.[3]
It has been proposed that this species be considered as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its restricted range and the heavy level of exploitation it receives.[4]
