European Pond Turtle
Emys orbicularis
The European pond turtle spends much of its day alternating between the water and long periods basking in the sun, which are essential for regulating its body temperature. It is a skilled swimmer and, when threatened, quickly dives to the bottom or hides among aquatic vegetation. Once widespread across much of Europe, it is now threatened by the loss of wetlands, pollution and competition from introduced non-native species, such as the red-eared slider.
IUCN RED LIST
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies living species according to criteria that take into account their level of threat of extinction: the Red List is an indispensable tool for coordinating nature conservation actions, a veritable barometer of the health of our Planet.
EEP Project
This species is included in EAZA’s (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) EEP programme for breeding endangered species.
Lives in southern and central Europe, northwest Africa Middle East and central Asia
Gli animali che vivono nella stessa area geografica
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