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European Pond Turtle

The European Pond Turtle is a species of near-threatened freshwater reptile, known to have a shy nature. Often seen basking in the sun in the banks or atop floating logs, these creatures would dive back into the water if disturbed. These long-living creatures are distributed in fourteen regional subspecies.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Testudines
    Suborder Cryptodira
    Family Emydidae
    Genus Emys
    Scientific Name Emys orbicularis


    Other Names European pond terrapin, European pond tortoise
    Length/Size Length varies largely between 12 and 38 cm
    Body Coloration The carapace is chocolate brown with faint green marks and yellow spots
    Range/Distribution Southern and central parts of Europe, West Asia, and to the north of Africa
    Habitat Rivers, streams, lakes, canals, and ponds with soft bottoms of sand or mud
    Diet/Food Omnivorous; fish, insects, worms, algae, and various types of plant matters
    Breeding Season March to May
    Clutch Size 3 to 16 eggs (average: 9-10)
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous
    IUCN Conservation Status Near Threatened (IUCN 2.3)

    European Pond Turtle Pictures Gallery

    Published on November 24th 2018 by under Turtles. Article was last reviewed on 6th June 2019.

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