Threatened species of Cuora trifasciata

Cuora trifasciata is exploited for use in traditional medicine.

The Cuora trifasciata occurs in southern China, Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. It lives in ponds, rice paddies and streams. This turtle is mainly carnivorous, eating snails and worms, etc.

Cuora trifasciata commands a higher price than "food turtles" because of its use in traditional Chinese medicine. This has resulted in small scale grass roots type "ranching" of C. trifasciata in China, the scale of which is unknown.

Cuora trifasciata is considered as "Endangered" by the IUCN.