Parques de Portugal

<p> <em>Emys orbicularis</em> (Linnaeus, 1758)</p>

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  • European pond terrapin

  • Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758)

  • Emydidae

  • The European pond turtle is a fresh water tortoise with a rigid domed carapace, robust tail and strong nails. It exhibits a grey, black or brown colouration, with yellow spots and stripes on its back and grey or yellow belly with dark spots. Its carapace can measure up to 16 cm long. Its lifespan is between 40 to 60 years, but it can reach up to 100 years old in captivity.

  • Serra de S. Mamede Nature Park

    Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Nature Park

    Vale do Guadiana Nature Park

    Ria Formosa Nature Park

  • Algarve

    Alentejo

  • Endangered

  • The European pond turtle inhabits fresh water or low salinity environments, with standing waters or low current, permanent or temporary, and with aquatic vegetation, such as ponds, reservoirs, dams, rivers and creeks. The biggest populations found in Portugal are associated with areas that have temporary ponds, like those in the Natural Park of South East Alentejo and Vicentine Coast.

  • All year long, but it may be inactive in winter and summer.

  • The European pond turtle feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates , and less frequently on amphibians, small fish, land insects and vegetable matter. It obtains its food on the surface or underwater. 

  • There is no estimate for the Portuguese population of this species.