European Pond Terrapin

European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) belongs to the family Marsh tortoises (Emydidae). Of the four species of the genus Emys, in addition to this species in Europe is also found the Sicilian marsh turtle (Emys trinacris). The European Pond Terrapin is a small to medium-sized tortoise up to 30 [cm] long, with smooth, dark armor with yellow spots or stripes. Similarly, the upper surface of the skin is darkly colored with yellow spots. It has a relatively long tail and foreskin between the toes that helps in swimming. It feeds on frogs, fish, worms, mollusks or other small animals that it hunts in water or on land. It is mated early in the spring, and the eggs are buried on the shore of the aquatic habitat. Egg incubation lasts from 65 to 100 days, depending on the temperature. Females reach sexual maturity at 14 to 18 years of age, and males at 6 to 12 years of age. The marsh tortoise overwinters (hibernates) in water, and less often on land.   The European Pond Terrapin is widespread in most of Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. It is usually inhabited by standing and low-flowing waters, overgrown with aquatic vegetation, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, canals, swamps, swamps and ditches. In NP Ezerani it is found along the shores of Lake Prespa and in the occasional puddles. This species is listed in Annex II of the Habitat Directive and in Annex II of the Bern Convention, while in R.N. Macedonia has the status of protected wild species.