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Die Europäische Sumpfschildkröte

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Uwe Fritz at Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
Uwe Fritz
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Although this book is written completely in German, readers who are not fluent in this language should not despair. The many range maps, labeled drawings of skeletal and other parts, black-and-white-photographs of habitats in different parts of the E. orbicularis range, tables, and especially the excellent color images of the various subspecies of Emys orbicularis, provide much information by themselves. Moreover, the 23-page list of references (in small print), many of them in English, is invaluable. In these ways, the book will be a treasure in your herpetological library, especially if you love the study of turtles, as many of us do. J. Alan Holman in Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society (2003) Inhaltsverzeichnis 1. Europäische Sumpfschildkröte, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758)  Eine Einführung 2. Evolution, Fossilbericht und Zoogeographie 2.1. Systematik und Phylogenie 2.2. Fossilbericht 2.2.1. Ursprung der Emydidae 2.2.2. Geographische Verteilung und Alter von Emys-Fossilien 2.2.3. Fossile Taxa der Gattung Emys 2.3. Zoogeographie 2.3.1. Besiedlung der Paläarktis und altweltliche Radiationen im Tertiär 2.3.2. Arealgeschichte im Quartär 2.3.3. Arealexpansion und -restriktion im Holozän 3. Verbreitung 3.1. Nordafrika 3.2. Iberische Halbinsel, Balearen und Madeira 3.3. Korsika, Sardinien, Festlands-Italien und Sizilien 3.4. West- und Mitteleuropa 3.5. Balkan 3.6. Osteuropa 3.7. Mittelasien und Kaukasus 3.8. Kleinasien 4. Beschreibung 4.1. Maße 4.2. Äußere Merkmale 4.3. Allgemeine Anatomie 4.4. Penis 4.5. Blutmerkmale 4.6. Karyotyp 4.7. Merkmalsvariation 4.7.1. Geschlechtsdimorphismus 4.7.2. Altersbedingte Variation, Jugendentwicklung 4.7.3. Jahreszeitlich und ökologisch bedingter Wandel 4.7.4. Geographische Variation und Unterarten 5. Taxonomie 5.1. Gattungs- und Artdiagnose 5.2. Unterartgliederung 6. Naturgeschichte 6.1. Biotop 6.2. Nahrung 6.3. Fortpflanzung 6.3.1. Phänologie, Eiablage 6.3.2. Nestform 6.3.3. Eier 6.3.4. Inkubationsdauer und Schlupf 6.3.5. Temperaturabhängige Geschlechtsbestimmung 6.4. Populationsdynamik 6.4.1. Populationsdichte 6.4.2. Altersstruktur 6.4.3. Geschlechterverhältnis 6.4.4. Prädatoren und Prädationsraten 6.5. Verhalten und Verhaltensrepertoire 6.5.1. Jahreszeitliche Rhythmik und Aktivität 6.5.2. Tageszeitliche Rhythmik und Aktivität 6.5.3. Orientierung 6.5.4. Fortpflanzungsverhalten 6.5.5. Territorialverhalten, Hierarchie und Lautäußerungen 7. Schriftenverzeichnis
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Die
Europäische
Sumpfschildkröte
(Emys orbicularis)
Su
pp
lement der
Zeitschrift für Feldher
p
etolo
g
ie
1
Uwe Fritz
Die Europäische Sumpfschildkröte
(Emys orbicularis)
Mit 10 Tabellen, 54 Textabbildungen, 8 Schwarzweiß- und 8 Farbtafeln
Dr. Uwe Fritz
Museum für Tierkunde
Staatliche Naturhistorische
Sammlungen Dresden
A.-B.-Meyer-Bau
Königsbrücker Landstraße 159
01109 Dresden
E-Mail: fritz@snsd.de
Titelbild: J. Moravec
ISBN 3-933066-14-X
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© 2003 Laurenti-Verlag, Bielefeld
Druck und Verarbeitung: Kock, Bielefeld
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... The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Emydidae Rafineque, 1815), is one of three native chelonians to Algeria, the second being the Mediterranean stripe-necked turtle Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812), and the third being the terrestrial spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca Linnaeus, 1758 [1][2][3][4]. Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria are the southernmost areas where E. orbicularis occurs [5]. Its range is more widespread northwards, extending from the Iberian Peninsula over much of Europe into western and central Asia, to the border of the Aral Sea [5][6][7][8][9]. ...
... Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria are the southernmost areas where E. orbicularis occurs [5]. Its range is more widespread northwards, extending from the Iberian Peninsula over much of Europe into western and central Asia, to the border of the Aral Sea [5][6][7][8][9]. The species has been listed as Near Threatened (NT) by the IUCN since 1996 due to significant long-term population declines [10]. ...
... Several studies over a large part of the E. orbicularis range are available outside the Maghreb, e.g., Portugal: [36], Spain: [37,38], France: [39,40], Italy: [41], Slovenia: [42], Serbia: [43], Albania: [44], Hungary: [45], Slovakia: [46], Poland: [47], Lithuania and Latvia: [48], Ukraine: [49], Romania: [50], Bulgaria: [12], Russia: [51,52], Turkey: [15], and overall [5,7]. Comparatively, recent distribution and conservation data for the Maghreb are only available for Tunisia and Morocco from six decades of retrospectives, e.g., [5,[16][17][18]21,22,35,[53][54][55][56]. ...
Distribution and Conservation Status of European Pond Turtles Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) in Algeria
Article
Full-text available
The Maghreb population of Emys orbicularis extends over a narrow strip of northern Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Our understanding of the presence of this turtle in Algeria, in contrast to Morocco and Tunisia, is quite limited and frequently rests on a few small-scale studies or even reports from a century ago. The present study provides the first complete data on the distribution and level of threat of this species in Algeria. A field survey was carried out based on the data obtained from scattered local reports and available studies that suggested the presence of the species in Algerian wetlands. Data on climatic and habitat preferences, the geographic elevation of inhabited localities, and their conservation status were collected. A total of 45 wetlands were inhabited by E. orbicularis, of which 40 were part of a well-interconnected eastern metapopulation, joined by an extensive hydrographic network. In some places, the species has persisted for over 130 years in the same wetland complex. However, the five remaining populations living in central North Algeria are fragmented, highly isolated, and therefore more threatened. With a few exceptions, turtles inhabit lowlands below 100 m above sea level. Detected sub-populations inhabit mostly stagnant waters (60%), sometimes dams and lakes (24%), and sporadically also slow-moving water bodies (16%). Altogether, the Algerian distribution of E. orbicularis extends to a total area of 2900 km², a 40 km wide strip with a length of 490 km west of the Tunisian border. Although restricted to this narrow strip, the persistence of numerous populations in Algeria, especially in Numidia, testifies to their relatively better conservation status. In order to ensure the sustainability of these efforts, follow-up and monitoring activities should be suggested, with special attention paid to highly isolated populations to maintain their long-term viability.
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... The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a widespread freshwater turtle endemic to the Western Palearctic 62 . In the evaluation of IUCN the species is classified as Near Threatened 63 . ...
Testing how environmental variables affect the survival of freshwater turtle nests and hatchlings using artificial nests and dummy hatchlings
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2024
The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a wide-ranging, long-living freshwater species with low reproductive success, mainly due to high predation pressure. We studied how habitat variables and predator communities in near-natural marshes affect the survival of turtle eggs and hatchlings. We followed the survival of artificial turtle nests placed in marshes along Lake Balaton (Hungary) in May and June as well as hatchlings (dummies) exposed in September. We found that the fewest nests remained intact in the least disturbed, most extensive area with the largest turtle population without predator control. Hatchlings, compared to nests had a significantly higher probability of survival. The density of carnivore dens indicated the negative influence on the number of exposure days, while marsh vegetation coverage was unrelated. The role of carnivores, especially the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the predation of nests was more significant, while predation by corvids (Corvidae) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) increased for the hatchlings. Predation by mammals increased with the limited availability of dry terrestrial surfaces suitable for laying eggs and with distance to water. Our multifactorial analyses highlight the need for targeted conservation efforts to improve the reproductive success of turtles in these ecologically sensitive environments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-024-82032-3.
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... Captured turtles were marked using Cagle's scute notching method (Cagle, 1939), measured (straight carapace length, ± 0.1 cm) using a Vernier calliper, and released at the site of capture. Sex was determined by examining secondary sexual characteristics such as plastron concavity and distance from the plastron notch to the cloaca opening (Pérez et al., 1979;Busack and Ernst, 1980;Meek, 1987;Fritz, 2003). Because Fig. 1. ...
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... Turtles were identified by a unique code following indentations on the marginal scutes (Cagle, 1939). Sex of each turtle was determined from apparent secondary sexual characters (MAL for males, and FEM for females), namely the concavity of the plastron and the distance between the cloaca opening and the plastron notch (Pérez et al., 1979;Busack and Ernst, 1980;Meek, 1987;Fritz, 2003). Because these traits are only apparent in turtles over 80 mm of size in the populations of interest, turtles smaller than 80 mm were considered as juveniles (JUV). ...
Morphological variations and demographic responses of the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa to heterogeneous aquatic habitats
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2024
Human activities affect terrestrial and aquatic habitats leading to changes at both individual and population levels in wild animal species. In this study, we investigated the phenotype and demographics of the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812) in contrasted environments of Southern France: two peri-urban rivers receiving effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and another one without sewage treatment plant. Our findings revealed the presence of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in the three rivers of investigation, the highest diversities and concentrations of pollutants being found in the river subsections impacted by WWTP effluents. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering identified three levels of habitat quality, with different pollutant concentrations, thermal conditions, nutrient, and organic matter levels. The highest turtle densities, growth rates, and body sizes were estimated in the most disturbed habitats, suggesting potential adult benefits derived from harsh environmental conditions induced by pollution and eutrophication. Conversely, juveniles were the most abundant in the least polluted habitats, suggesting adverse effects of pollution on juvenile survival or adult reproduction. This study suggests that turtles living in polluted habitats may benefit from enhanced growth and body size, at the expense of reproductive success.
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... The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758)) is a long-living widespread freshwater turtle endemic to the Western Palearctic [1]. European pond turtle populations have shown a considerable decline in recent decades [2], which has been caused by the reduction in suitable wetland habitats. ...
European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) Nest Predation: A Study with Artificial Nests
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2023
Simple Summary Habitat loss and nest predation significantly threaten European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) populations. To reveal predation pressure in a protected area (Kis-Balaton marshland, Hungary) we conducted an artificial nests experiment. We used real nests which had been predated, and near each of them we created a new artificial nest. In each nest hole we put one quail egg, one plasticine egg and turtle egg shells and then covered them and sprayed the surface with water-diluted turtle urine. The majority of the nests were depredated in the first three nights, mostly by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), confirmed by the bite marks preserved on the plasticine eggs, by footprints and excrements found near the nests and by camera recordings. Daily survival rates of quail eggs in artificial nests established in both real and in new nests were similar, suggesting that estimates obtained with artificial nests reflect the degree of predation pressure on real nests. Scattered nests had a lower survival rate than partly scattered and partly linear or only linearly arranged nests. We proved that spraying the nests with diluted turtle urine and marking them with a flag did not affect their survival. The results support turtle nest protection and selective predator control. Abstract Nest predation significantly impacts the population decline of the long-living European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Kis-Balaton is one of the most important habitats of this species in Hungary, and in May 2017 more than 400 damaged nests were counted. To reveal predation pressure, we conducted a study with artificial nests on three sites in this area. On each site, we used 11 depredated real nests, and near each of them, we created new artificial nests; then in every nest we put one quail egg, one plasticine egg and several turtle egg shells. After that, we sprayed the smoothed surface of the covered holes with water-diluted turtle urine, imitating the turtle’s behaviour. Already in the first three nights, 94% of all nests were depredated by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and in one case by the European badger (Meles meles), which was confirmed by the bite marks preserved on the plasticine eggs, by the footprints and excrements found near the nests, as well as by camera recordings. Only 6% of the nests survived during the three weeks of our study. Daily survival rates of quail eggs in artificial nests established in both real (damaged) and in new nests were similar, suggesting that estimates obtained with artificial nests reflect the degree of predation pressure on real nests. On the site where the nests were scattered, their daily survival rate (33%) was significantly lower than on the sites where their arrangement was partly scattered, partly linear (83%), or only linear (76%). On two additional sites, by using simulated turtle nests we showed that spraying the nests with diluted turtle urine and marking them with a flag did not affect their survival, although further methodological testing is needed. The information obtained with artificial nests enables the organization of the protection of the nests of the European pond turtle and selective predator control.
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... European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) are omnivorous turtles (Çiçek and Ayaz, 2011) from the Emydidae family whose habitat spans from East and Central Europe to regions rimming the Mediterranean Sea (Fritz, 2001(Fritz, , 2003. They are classified as "near threatened" according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List (Ducotterd et al., 2020), whereas the Swiss population is classified as critically endangered (Monney and Meyer, 2005). ...
Fatal spirorchiidosis in European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) in Switzerland
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2022
Infections with intravascular digenean trematodes of the Spirorchiidae family (spirorchiidoses) are of great conservation concern both in marine and freshwater turtles due to their pathogenic potential. Between 2014 and 2021, Spirorchis sp. infections associated with granulomatous inflammation and sudden death were detected in European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from three conservation breeding facilities in Switzerland. Blood fluke eggs associated with lesions were found in the intestine, spleen, testis, skeletal musculature, heart, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, and meninges from nine pond turtles submitted for necropsy and in the intestinal content from five of these animals. Two novel polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) targeting the 28S ribosomal RNA gene and the ITS2 region and subsequent sequencing revealed 100% nucleotide identity with a Spirorchis sp. previously isolated from an Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti) in the USA. Our findings suggest a spill-over event secondary to direct or indirect contact with invasive North American turtle species in Switzerland. We describe the clinical, haematological, ultrasonographical, endoscopical, parasitological, pathological, and molecular findings associated with spirorchiid blood fluke infections of the Spirorchis genus in E. orbicularis, as well as the biosecurity measures that were developed to prevent the spread of this parasite among breeding and highly endangered free-ranging E. orbicularis populations in Switzerland.
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... Morphological features of these forms coincide well with the characteristics of the two subspecies E. o. orbicularis and E. o. iberica. Both subspecies intergrade widely in the Precaucasus, so BANNIKOV's "ecotypes" might represent intermediates resembling one subspecies more than the other (FRITZ, 1994(FRITZ, , 2003. Obviously, ecological differences exist. ...
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... Turkey harbors a substantial part of the genetic and taxonomic diversity of the widely distributed European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis ;Fritz 2003;Fritz et al. 2009;Vamberger et al. 2015;Pöschel et al. 2018). The nominotypical subspecies Emys orbicularis orbicularis (Linnaeus 1758) is distributed across most of Turkey, while 2 endemic subspecies are restricted to southern and southeastern Turkey (Fritz et al. 2009). ...
On the Brink of Extinction: Results of a 20-Year Quest for Eiselt's Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis eiselti) in Southeastern Turkey
Article
  • Nov 2021
Eiselt's pond turtle (Emys orbicularis eiselti) was described in 1998, based on only 4 museum specimens collected in the 1960s and 1970s. Its distribution range has been massively reduced by large-scale drainage measures and only little suitable habitat remains near the Turkish–Syrian border. During 20-yr-long fieldwork we could locate only 18 individuals of this subspecies. We estimate the number of surviving Eiselt's pond turtles to be less than 100 mature individuals in the wild. The distribution range (area of occupancy) in the Amik Maraş Rift Valley shrank from originally 11,612 km2 to only 206 km2 at present (approx. 2%), qualifying E. o. eiselti as a Critically Endangered taxon. Without immediate conservation measures and the strict protection of the remaining habitat, the subspecies will soon be extinct.
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Can artificial rearing benefit the natural breeding of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in its northern distribution range?
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2025
The European Pond turtle (Emys orbicularis, L., 1758) is protected and endangered species in Europe. However, in some of the countries it is already extinct. In Lithuania E. orbicularis populations are very small and highly fragmented therefore very vulnerable and declining. The main reasons of such E. orbicularis populations decrease are habitat loss due to the changes in land use and destruction of nesting sites. Saving local populations needs active species protection measures. Previous studies showed E. orbicularis individuals are vulnerable in all stages of life, but the most exposed are early life stages: incubation of eggs and first overwintering of hatchlings. The aim of this study was to compare hatching success of naturally vs artificially incubated E. orbicularis eggs and further artificially reared hatchlings survival during their first year. Furthermore, a perennial detail description of the main nesting measurements (clutch size, depth) was provided from the small E. orbicularis populations in its northern distribution range, Lithuania. Finally, a detail description of approved artificial egg incubation and further hatchlings rearing methodology is provided. The provided methodologies for artificial E. orbicularis incubation and further rearing may be used to preserve and increase the size of local small E. orbicularis populations in its northern distribution range.
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