Reptiles
European Pond Turtle
Emys orbicularis
On a half-submerged log in a quiet Mediterranean marsh, a European pond turtle basks with its yellow-speckled shell steaming in the morning sun.
Overview
The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, is a Near Threatened freshwater turtle of ponds, marshes, and slow rivers across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Its speckled shell, long life, and land-based nesting make it Europe’s most widespread native freshwater turtle, but its numbers are falling.
A turtle that needs both pond and bank
The female must leave the water to nest in sandy soil, so the turtle needs open, sunny banks as well as clean, quiet water.
Status
Near Threatened, with a declining population.
European Pond Turtle: common questions
How long does the European pond turtle live?
It can live for several decades, and takes many years to reach breeding age.
Where does the female lay her eggs?
She leaves the water to dig a flask-shaped nest in sandy soil, where she lays her eggs.
Why is the European pond turtle declining?
It has declined across much of its range because of habitat loss, and competition from introduced red-eared sliders.
Where is the European pond turtle found?
It lives in ponds, marshes, and slow rivers across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.