Emys Project

The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is one of the most charismatic endemic species of European wetlands. Unfortunately, habitat loss and the introduction of alien species have placed the species under severe pressure. In Italy, it has recently been classified as Endangered (EN) on the Red List of Italian Vertebrates.

Thanks to a project funded by Fondazione Capellino, tangible measures are being undertaken to conserve of the natural populations in Piedmont, where the species faces serious challenges.

The project includes a range of activities, such as the breeding and management of specimens, monitoring of spawning, incubation of eggs, housing of hatchlings in the laboratory, and the rearing of juveniles in an external nursery. These efforts lead to the release of the turtles into the wild, followed by ongoing monitoring to ensure their survival.

The two reference areas for the restocking operations lie within the SAC “Paludi di San Genuario e San Silvestro” and within the boundaries of the Piedmont Po Regional Park, in the biotope “Sponde fluviali di Palazzolo Vercellese.” In both locations, habitat improvement measures will be implemented.

• In the 2024–25 biennium, 81 specimens of Emys orbicularis—both juveniles and subadults—were released. Visual monitoring confirmed the successful adaptation of the new colony, with simultaneous sightings of up to 12 individuals during thermoregulation activities — a clear sign of the animals’ adjustment to their natural environment.
  
  

• The year 2025 marked a reproductive record at the Center, with over 100 hatchlings, surpassing results from previous years and confirming the effectiveness of the adopted management and environmental strategies.
  
  

• In the same year, a new pond was also created, faithfully replicating the ideal ecosystem for E. orbicularis, featuring abundant native aquatic vegetation and surrounded by an area suitable for nesting.