European Pond Turtle
The European pond turtle is the only species of turtle found in the Alps. It prefers standing water with a muddy bottom and abundant aquatic vegetation. In the south-west Alps, they can also be found in streams with stony ground. Quiet, sunny forest ponds or alluvial forest pools are the favoured habitats.
- The European pond turtle is the only turtle species that occurs in the Alpine region.
Scientific Name
Emys orbicularis
Age
- up to 70 years
Nutrition
- Aquatic insects
- Snails
- Amphibian larvae
Adversaries
- Fox
- Wild boar
- Badger
- Larger birds
Weight
- up to 1000 g
carapace: 12 - 20 cm
