Euphrates softshell turtle

The Euphrates softshell turtle (Rafetus euphraticus), also known as the Mesopotamian softshell turtle, is a species of softshell turtle in the family Trionychidae. It is found throughout much of the Euphrates–Tigris river basin in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Khūzestān Province of Iran. Historically it has also been reported from Israel, but this likely involves confusion with the very similar Trionyx triunguis (the two typically require in-hand examination to be separated). The Euphrates softshell turtle is an endangered species that primarily is threatened by habitat loss and alteration, especially the building of dams, but to lesser extent also pollution and killing by fishermen.