Southeast Asian Giant Softshell Turtle

Chitra chitra, the Southeast Asian giant softshell turtle, lives up to its name: One of the largest turtles in the world, it can weigh in at more than 500 pounds (225 kg). But the species is now restricted to rivers in western Thailand and the Indonesian island of Java.

This turtle faces severe threats from human activity. Human consumption of its meat, the trading of specimens as pets, and pollution of the rivers where the turtle is found all play a serious role in the species' endangered status.

Pollution is a particular threat for C. chitra, which relies heavily on being able to see its prey.  Increased water turbidity or 'cloudiness' from agricultural runoff makes this challenging.

IN PHOTOS: View a photo gallery of endangered turtles.