Kauaʻi record · KBA-HERP-0021
Chinese Softshell Turtle
Pelodiscus sinensis
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About Chinese Softshell Turtle
Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a documented established nonnative species on Kauaʻi.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Pelodiscus sinensis
- Common names
- Chinese Softshell Turtle
- Family
- Trionychidae
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
- Evidence limits
- Occurrence is supported; local abundance and impact estimates remain less certain than presence.
Habitat and ecology
- Habitats
- Freshwater streams, ponds, reservoirs, marshes, canals, drainage ditches, and slow-water habitats.
- Food and resource needs
- Predominantly animal prey including aquatic invertebrates, fishes and other small aquatic organisms; opportunistic feeding.
- Reproduction
- Terrestrial nesting substrate above waterline and suitable incubation conditions.
- Shelter
- Soft bottom substrate for burial plus aquatic cover.
Threats and conservation
- Threats
- Predation on aquatic fauna and competition within freshwater food webs; release/translocation can spread populations.
- Conservation actions
- Early detection, containment/control where feasible, prevent intentional release or transport, protect high-value native habitats, and monitor ecological effects.
- Monitoring
- Repeat island occurrence surveys, population trend monitoring, and impact studies using standardized methods.
- Data gaps
- Current population distribution, abundance, and Kauaʻi-specific ecological effect sizes remain incompletely quantified.
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal timing
- Year-round
- Seasonal description
- Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a documented established nonnative species on Kauaʻi.