The initiative seeks to prevent the disappearance of the last population centres of natural origin of the European pond turtle subspecies Emys orbicularis, through in situ and ex situ measures.

The initiative seeks to prevent the disappearance of the last population centres of natural origin of the European pond turtle subspecies Emys orbicularis, through in situ and ex situ measures.

The entity Amics de la Tortuga de l’Albera created the Albera Turtle Reproduction Center in order to improve the conservation status of native turtle populations. Currently, the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis is in a critical state of conservation.

Captive breeding is carried out at the centre to carry out population reinforcements, but the success of these reinforcements has been affected by the high pressure of predatory species. For this reason, and based on the results of a pilot test, the project aims to improve the rearing facilities with which it will be able to increase the number of specimens. Afterwards, specimens of sizes that ensure their survival will be released.

At the same time, it will be checked whether the specimens captured in Guipúzcoa belong to the subspecies orbicularis and the possibility of starting a breeding programme will be studied.

Exotic turtles will also be removed by passive trapping in two protected areas in the north of Girona and the problems involved in their acquisition will be disseminated.

Finally, eleven lagoons and nesting mounds will be created, in two protected areas, to improve habitat and connectivity, enhance dispersion and avoid population isolation.

The specific objectives of the project are:

• Breeding, rearing and increased survival in population reinforcements.
• Removal of turtles from exotic species through passive trapping and raising awareness of the problems involved in their acquisition.
• Habitat improvements: characterisation of nesting areas and creation of lagoons and nesting spots.