| 1. What are European Pond Terrapins? | | | | and bacterial infection. Since they are hypothermic |
| The strong and gorgeous turtles called 'European | | | | reptiles, adequate illumination along with UV radiation |
| pond terrapins' Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758), are | | | | and maintenance of proper temperature is necessary |
| found in central and southern Europe, (from France | | | | too. Always consult a veterinary doctor. |
| and the Iberian Peninsula in the west and Germany to | | | | 5. What is their conservation status? |
| Netherlands in the north), North Africa and West Asia | | | | According to IUCN 2.3 [1], European pond terrapins |
| and some places of Australia. It prefers to live in | | | | are 'Near Threatened'. To save them from extinction, |
| slow-flowing or still water. Presently there are 13 | | | | breeding programs in captivity followed by liberation |
| sub-species with different color, size and markings | | | | in the natural environment are taken up by different |
| seen at different geographical locations. | | | | organizations. |
| 2. How much do they grow? | | | | 6. How to identify a European Pond Terrapin? |
| They are medium size terrapins and may grow up to | | | | The plastron surface of the European terrapin is |
| 12 to 38 cm in length. | | | | brown with a green tinge and decorated with |
| 3. How long do they survive? | | | | irregular yellow spots. A characteristic yellow circle |
| In the wild they survive up to or more than a | | | | can be seen around the eyes. |
| century, but in captivity it may reduce to 30 years. | | | | 7. What do they eat? |
| 4. Can they be kept as pets? If so, how to take | | | | Like other reptiles, European pond terrapins are also |
| care of them? | | | | carnivores and like to savor meat, fish, insects, |
| As pets, European Pond Terrapins are popular | | | | worms, mollusks etc. But sometimes they feed on |
| nowadays. But a lot of care should be taken so that | | | | vegetations to avoid starvation. The pet one can be |
| they live long and remain healthy. | | | | given additional doses of vitamins and minerals to get |
| The size of the vivarium, in which a pair of Emys can | | | | rid of various deficiency diseases. |
| be kept, should be 150cm x 60cm x 50cm. A floating | | | | 8. Do the European pond terrapins hibernate? |
| piece of wood is essentially needed to provide the | | | | Yes they do and embed themselves in the |
| basking spot. It is advisable to keep a dry sandy | | | | underwater mud for up to seven months every year |
| quarter in case you have a female Emys. Filter and | | | | during cold season. |
| clean the water regularly to avoid unpleasant odor | | | | |