Myanmar River Turtle Image: IUCN by Rick Hudson.

The world's freshwater turtles are under the threat of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting for food, and the lucrative pet industry.

Freshwater turtles can take between 15 and 20 years to reach sexual maturity, and although they can live long lives of up to 30-40 years, they cannot reproduce enough to keep up with the demands placed upon them.

Unlike their ocean going counterparts, freshwater turtles do not have the freedom to roam the seas. They only inhabit small water areas like rivers, lakes, and estuaries.

The red river giant softshell turtle is among the most threatened of the species. Only four are known to be alive.

Two other species; the red crowned river turtle, and the Myanmar river turtle are also deeply in decline, with only a handful surviving to this day.

For more see

BBC

Conservation International

IUCN

The file contains more freshwater turtles that are threatened and critically endangered.