Active since 1995-ongoing
The European pond turtle ( Emys orbicularis ) is the only turtle native to mainland Europe and is widespread from Portugal to the western shores of the Caspian Sea, with an uneven distribution in different regions.
In Italy the distribution of this species is particularly fragmented and numerous populations have been declared extinct. The main threats derive from land reclamation and water management activities, which have led to a progressive reduction of the habitat. The pond turtle is also threatened by pollution and the accidental introduction of invasive alien species, in particular by American turtles of the genus Trachemys , which compete directly or indirectly with this species.
In Liguria, the endemic population of the European pond turtle ( Emys orbicularis ingauna ) was considered extinct but, in 1995, following the discovery of some surviving individuals in the Albenga plain, a tenacious recovery and conservation project was started: the Emys Project, in which the Genoa Aquarium originally participated.
Thanks to funding from the Liguria Region, the Emys Centre was created, an open-air enclosure for the reproduction of founder individuals; a second enclosure was created at the Genoa Aquarium, to encourage the growth of young tortoises born at the Emys Centre. The Genoa Aquarium Foundation joined the project in 2004. In 2008, the first individuals reproduced ex situ were released, in the protected ponds of the Albenga plain. The Foundation, together with the Province of Savona, also renaturalized a series of sites where the tortoise was originally present (Arroscia and Centa streams, Stagno di Salea, Cava Volloni), with additional funding from the Liguria Region and, subsequently, with an EAZA donation to the Foundation, which allowed the reintroduction into nature of further Emys individuals until 2012. The Foundation suspended active research activities on Emys orbicularis ingauna in 2013.
Since 2015, the Emys Liguria Association ( https://emysliguria.wordpress.com/ ) has been established, in which the Fondazione Acquario di Genova Onlus also participates, which aims to continue the activities of the Emys Project, with particular attention to nature conservation, research, environmental education and the valorization of natural resources, which also manages visits to the Emys Center in Albenga.
Partner:
Costa Edutainment SpA-Genoa Aquarium, Genoa Aquarium Foundation, Province of Genoa, WWF Italy, University of Genoa – DISTAV, State Forestry Corps, Pro Natura Genoa. Association “ Emys Liguria” (since 2015, ongoing): various private entities and individual citizens.
Sponsors:
Liguria Region, EAZA, Alpha Laval srl, ECOCREST© (through certification by Blue Sears Pearling, Clipper Pearls, Berbrand srl, Carloforte Tonnare PIAM).
