Distribution and conservation of the European pond turtle in Serbia: presentation of the Rufford project results

Abstract

The main goals of the project are gathering distribution data and tissue samples of the European pond turtle. These data are necessary for efficient conservation and active protection of the nationally and internationally protected European pond turtle. Currently, the known distribution of Emys orbicularis in Serbia mainly includes the northern (i.e. Vojvodina Province) and eastern parts of the national territory. Although the central part of the country has plenty of water bodies (e.g. Velika, Zapadna and Juzna Morava Rivers), surprisingly this region remains vastly understudied. Additionally, it seems that abundant deserted overgrown gravel mines along river banks in central Serbia offer large areas of suitable habitats for the turtles. Besides the European pond turtles, the project aims to explore the distribution of the Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) as one of the greatest threats for E. orbicularis and its habitats. So far, it seems that Red-eared sliders are grouped in ponds near human settlements, probably close to places here they were "released" by their owners. Although they were not found in the wild, the fact that they reproduce efficiently adds a sense of emergency to educate pet owners and stop the expansion of this highly invasive species.