Lesser Chinese softshell turtle | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Testudines |
Suborder: | Cryptodira |
Family: | Trionychidae |
Genus: | Pelodiscus |
Species: | P. parviformis
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Binomial name | |
Pelodiscus parviformis Tang, 1997[2]
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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]
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]