Sinanodonta woodiana has recently been split and now includes only one of the lineages native to the Yangtze River basin in China (Lopes-Lima et al. 2020, Douda et al. 2024).

This species has a widespread and stable, although uncertain, native distribution. It is a habitat generalist and successful in introduced areas, expanding its range throughout the northern hemisphere. The species is assessed as Least Concern.

The original range of the species was thought to be larger, but given the recent split of the species, it is now recognised that the original range of the species is the Yangtze River basin in China (Douda et al. 2024)

Along with other Sinanodonta species, S. woodiana has been introduced around the world (Douda et al. 2024). It was first introduced into Europe in 1963 with introduced carp and is currently found in at least fifteen European countries, as well as several Asian countries and Morocco and Algeria in Africa (Douda et al. 2024). Some of the introduced range of this species has not been mapped.

There is some evidence that the species is declining in its native range, but thriving and expanding in its invaded range (Liu et al. 2020; Douda et al. 2024).

This species is a habitat generalist found in heavily modified and artificial habitats and is tolerant to high siltation rates (Paunovic et al. 2006). In the Czech Republic it is found in ponds, oxbow lakes and canals (Beran 2008). It prefers substrates of silt and clay, turbid conditions with relatively high water temperatures (30-33°C) and is found in either standing or slow-flowing water (Soroka 2005, Zettler and Jueg 2006).

It is unknown whether this species is impacted by any major threats within its native range. This species is likely to be undergoing localized declines due to urbanization, habitat degradation and alterations to the hydrological regime.

Within its native range, use of this species has been reported, as food for people and livestock (fish, poultry and other livestock). The shell is also used in traditional Chinese medicine

There are no conservation measures in place or needed for this species. Research into the threats affecting this species within its native range, as well as its population size and trends, should be carried out, as localized threats may be affecting this species.