Integrative evidence resolves the taxonomic identity of the Yellow River softshell turtle previously assigned to...

Softshell turtle populations from the Yellow River Basin have traditionally been assigned to Pelodiscus sinensis, but their taxonomic identity remained uncertain. Integrating evidence from nuclear SNPs, complete mitochondrial genomes, and data from external morphology and osteology, we reassessed the taxonomic identity of the Yellow River softshell turtle. Phylogenomic analyses consistently place these populations sister to Pelodiscus maackii, and external morphology and osteology further demonstrate strong resemblance to P. maackii while clearly differentiating them from P. sinensis. These results support recognizing the Yellow River softshell turtle as a distinct geographic lineage of P. maackii, clarifying its taxonomic identity and refining our understanding of diversity within Pelodiscus.