Rafetus is a genus of highly endangered softshell turtles in the Trionychidae family. These large turtles are found in freshwater habitats in Asia. According to most taxonomists, the genus contains the following 2 species:
A third species, the Hoan Kiem turtle (Rafetus leloii, syn.R. vietnamensis), known from one living specimen, has been proposed as a species. It is considered a junior synonym of Rafetus swinhoei by most authorities,[1] but some Vietnamese scientists insist the two forms are not identical.
Rafetus swinhoei: Only three known living individuals, two in Chinese Zoos and another in Dong Mo, Vietnam. IUCN rates it as critically endangered.[4] Fourth specimen found in Hoan Kiem Lake may be a distinct species.
^Farkas, B and Webb, R.G. 2003. Rafetus leloii Hà Dinh Dúc, 2000—an invalid species of softshell turtle from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam (Reptilia, Testudines, Trionychidae). Zool. Abhandl. (Dresden), 53: 107-112.