European pond turtle: keeping, profile and food
The European Pond Turtle is a small to medium-sized species of turtle. It is carnivorous and spends most of its time in the water.
The European Pond Turtle is the only naturally occurring species of turtle in Central Europe. However, it is very rare to find them in the wild.
European Pond Turtle Profile:
- Scientific Name: Emys orbicularis
- Size: Approximately 12 to 20 cm shell length
- Weight: 400 to 1,500 g
- Age: Approximately 70 years
- Distribution: North Africa, Europe, Russia
- Habitat: Quiet or slow-flowing waters
- Housing: Year-round in a garden pond
- Diet: Water snails, earthworms, fish, occasionally water plants
- Behavior: Diurnal
- Hibernation: Yes, possible in a garden pond
Appearance of the European Pond Turtle
The size of the European Pond Turtle's shell can vary between less than 12 and more than 20 centimeters in length, depending on the gender and subspecies. Subspecies living in the east and north are generally slightly larger than their counterparts in the south.
There is a significant sexual dimorphism in adult European Pond Turtles, with males being noticeably smaller than females. The weight of the turtles typically ranges from 400 to 700 grams, although in rare cases, European Pond Turtles can reach a maximum weight of 1,500 grams.
Similarly, European Pond Turtles can differ significantly in their coloration. The oval, rather flat dorsal shell is usually dark brown or black, often adorned with yellow dots or lines. However, there are also individuals with a light dorsal shell and a dark pattern. The ventral shell can be solid yellow, dark, or black, or it can be mottled and speckled.
Habitat of the European Pond Turtle
The European Pond Turtle is widespread, with its natural habitat ranging from North Africa to Russia. In the wild, it can be found in Tunisia, Morocco, the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and parts of Italy, among other regions.
Furthermore, European Pond Turtles can also be found in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Switzerland, the Benelux countries, Poland, and Russia, among others. There are even some isolated populations in Germany, primarily in the eastern part of the country.
Wild European Pond Turtles inhabit quiet to slow-flowing bodies of water. They can be found in ponds, streams, and the shoreline of lakes, preferring nutrient-rich waters that provide a muddy substrate and sunbathing spots.
Housing the European Pond Turtle in a Garden Pond
The European Pond Turtle can be housed year-round in a garden pond. To provide sufficient depth for hibernation, the pond should be approximately one meter deep for the European Pond Turtle. Floating objects such as branches offer ideal spots for sunbathing.
Depending on the size of the garden pond, it may be possible to forgo a filtration system, which helps maintain different temperature zones in the shallow and deep water.
In addition to the pond, European Pond Turtles also require a land area that includes a suitable nesting mound for egg-laying. It is important to ensure that the enclosure is fenced to prevent the turtle from escaping. For young turtles, the enclosure should be covered with a mesh to protect them from potential predators such as cats.
Housing the European Pond Turtle in an Aquaterrarium
If necessary, the European Pond Turtle can be temporarily housed in an aquaterrarium during transitional periods. However, ideally, it should only be used for quarantine purposes, as it does not provide suitable long-term housing.
Regardless, the aquaterrarium should be the appropriate size, with the water portion comprising about two-thirds of the total area. A length five times the shell length is considered sufficient, with the width being about half the length.
In addition to a water temperature between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius, it is important to provide a basking spot with a temperature of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, equipping the aquaterrarium with suitable lamps is essential.
Diet of the European Pond Turtle
The European Pond Turtle is a carnivorous species that feeds on water snails, earthworms, and fish in the wild, among other prey. They occasionally include water plants in their diet as well.
With a high-quality turtle food, available in our range, providing a balanced diet for your European Pond Turtle is not a problem.
To prevent excessive growth and associated health issues, it is important to feed the turtles appropriate portions according to their needs. Keep in mind that they also forage for food in addition to what you provide.
Lifespan of the European Pond Turtle
European Pond Turtles can live up to 70 years. However, achieving this lifespan requires providing proper care and optimal conditions for the reptile.
Hibernation for the European Pond Turtle
The European Pond Turtle undergoes hibernation and requires it as part of its natural cycle. For this purpose, the water temperature at the bottom of the garden pond should be around four degrees Celsius during winter. Additionally, it is important for the turtles to be able to climb up the pond walls and reach the water surface.
Typically, European Pond Turtles become increasingly inactive by the end of September and eventually settle at the bottom of the pond in October. The duration of hibernation depends on the prevailing temperatures and typically ends in April or May.
Breeding and Reproduction of the European Pond Turtle
Female European Pond Turtles reach sexual maturity at approximately eight to ten years of age, while males are usually sexually mature as early as four years of age.
The mating season begins in spring after hibernation, and the turtles mate in the water. European Pond Turtles require a sandy, dry spot in direct sunlight for egg-laying, which typically takes place in June or July.
A clutch usually contains between 9 and 15 eggs, from which hatchlings a few centimeters in size emerge after approximately 120 days. When bred in captivity, the incubation period often shortens to around 80 days, especially when the eggs are incubated in an incubator.
Buying European Pond Turtles
The European Pond Turtle is considered a strictly protected species. Consequently, captive-bred individuals are subject to registration. If you want to buy a European Pond Turtle, make sure to acquire it from a reputable breeder.
The capture of wild European Pond Turtles is generally prohibited, including turtles suspected of potentially escaping from gardens.
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