Head starting european pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) for reintroduction: patterns of growth rates
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Published source details
Masin S., Ficetola G.F. & Bottoni L. (2015) Head starting european pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) for reintroduction: patterns of growth rates. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 10, 516-524.
Published source details Masin S., Ficetola G.F. & Bottoni L. (2015) Head starting european pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) for reintroduction: patterns of growth rates. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 10, 516-524.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Release captive-bred reptiles into the wild: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles Action Link |
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Release captive-bred reptiles into the wild: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles
A study in 2003–2009 in a wooded wetland in northern Italy (Masin et al. 2015) found that a population of juvenile captive-bred European pond turtle Emys orbicularis galloitalica hatchlings released into an area where predators were removed and excluded survived in the wild for at least two years and bred. Ten of 12 (83%) nine-month-old captive-bred European pond turtles survived at least two years in the wild. Five years after the first releases, the first female turtle was confirmed to be carrying eggs. Authors reported that the two turtles that died in the first year after release were probably predated by terrestrial mammals. In September 2003 (eight individuals) and 2005 (four individuals) hatchling European pond turtles born in captivity (sourced from a private breeder) were reared in a terrarium for eight months. In May 2004 and 2006, juvenile turtles were moved to a predator-proof acclimatisation cage (1 x 2 m) for one month prior to release into a fenced pond inside a fenced 1 ha wetland complex in a regional park (see original paper for details). A resident population of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides was controlled prior to release by catching with pole and line. Larger fish predators were excluded from shallow waters in the release pond using fences woven from branches. A sand and dirt nesting area (2.5 m high x 15 m long) was created in the release area.
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
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