Common Name: European Pond Turtle
Scientific Name: Emys orbicularis
LOW RISK European Pond Turtle Distribution: Europe, Africa, Asia Habitat: Freshwater Height: 23cm Weight: 460g Diet: Carnivorous
These freshwater turtles live in and around slow-flowing water. Its shell is brown with a hint of green, spotted yellow. European Pond Turtles have a slightly hinged plastron (the shell on their stomach) and a speckled carapace (shell) pattern. The European Pond turtle (or terrapin) can be found throughout Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. In northern regions the pond turtles hibernate, digging down in to the mud for up to 7 months. In southern areas they will wait out the hottest parts of the year by lying dormant in the drying waterways. The European Pond Turtles can breed at 3 to 4 years of age. In the wild the breeding season is from early spring until May or June, depending on the region they inhabit. The larger the female the more eggs she will produce, ranging from 3 to 16 eggs. They may nest up to twice a year. The eggs are laid in a nest which is usually excavated in loose, peaty soil, often among the roots of plants. These turtles are often kept as pets and can adapt well, but in their native environment their numbers are declining. This is mostly due to habitat destruction and changes in agriculture. The removal of drainage ditches (one of their preferred habitats) is having a significant impact on their numbers.