Fauna and flora in Slovakia – the European pond turtle

€5 base metal collector coin

The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is an aquatic turtle species. Native to Slovakia, the pond turtle was once widespread throughout the south of the country, but today its strongest populations are found in the Eastern Slovak Lowland and the Danubian Lowland. It is a protected reptile species that can live for more than 100 years. The pond turtle inhabits still or slowly flowing waters with muddy bottoms and rich vegetation, such as oxbow lakes, canals, ponds, lakes, and marshes. It is an excellent swimmer and diver and often basks in the sun on banks, tree trunks, or stones. Sandy areas are essential for egg laying. After overwintering, the hatchlings dig their way out and move to the water. Adults hibernate underwater, buried in mud. The pond turtle’s diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, but it also feeds on frogs, tadpoles, fish, algae, and plants. Appropriate measures to support its conservation include the restoration of wetlands and nesting sites in their surroundings, as well as preventing the release of non-native invasive turtle species into the wild.