Contribution to the current distribution, ecology and conservation of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Bela Krajina (SE Slovenia)

Authors

  • Melita Vamberger Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, Königsbrücker Landstr. 159, DE-01109 Dresden
  • Marijan Govedič Center za kartografijo favne in flore, Antoličičeva ulica 1, SI-2204 Miklavž na Dravskem polju
  • Gregor Lipovšek Societas herpetologica slovenica – society for the study of amphibians and reptiles, Večna pot 111, SI-1001 Ljubljana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14720/ns.15.2.23-38

Keywords:

turtles, Emydidae, Bela krajina, Natura 2000

Abstract

Although the European pond turtle is widespread in Bela krajina according to old data, very few recent data are available on its natural history and ecology from this region. Our goal was to determine the population structure of the European pond turtle of Bela krajina and its recent distribution. To do this, we caught and marked 48 individuals in the years 2008-2012. The European pond turtle was found in native and human-made water bodies of four areas. 40% of all caught individuals were up to 10 years of age. We confirmed reproduction at five localities (Prilozje, Zjot, Golek, oxbows of the Obrh stream, Nerajec) and registered nesting sites at ponds Golek and Gornji kal. The allochthonous red-eared slider turtle and yellow-bellied slider were also present at three localities. Our results indicate that the most stable population was found in the upper reaches of the Lahinja River, followed by oxbows of the Obrh stream near Metlika, and the environs of Prilozje and Hrast villages. We additionally present our conservation views and propose the Natura 2000 network to be expanded for this species.

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Published

30.12.2013

Issue

Section

Scientific paper

How to Cite

Vamberger, M., Govedič , M., & Lipovšek, G. (2013). Contribution to the current distribution, ecology and conservation of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Bela Krajina (SE Slovenia) . Natura Sloveniae, 15(2), 23-38. https://doi.org/10.14720/ns.15.2.23-38

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