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由SMDrobenkov著作—TherangeofdistributionoftheEuropeanpondturtle(EmysorbicularisL.,1758)extendstothesouthernpartofBelarus,includingtheextensivePolesyeRegion ...

Sergey M. DrobenkovInstitute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences, Minsk, BelarusPresent address: Institute of Zoology of NAS, Akademicheskaya St., 27, 220072, Belarus

Introduction

The range of distribution of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis L., 1758) extends to the southern part of Belarus, including the extensive Polesye Region with its numerous and diverse wetlands, ponds, rivers and forests. Currently, this turtle is known only in the south and southwest part of Belarus in the basins of the rivers Pripyat, Dnepr, Western Bug and the Neman River (Fig. 1). The nominative subspecies of this species, Emys orbicularis orbicularis, is found in this area. It is characterised by its very large body size, black or dark coloration, indistinct shell patterns, and specific body proportions (Fig. 2).

Fig. 1. Current border of geographical range of Emys orbicularis in Belarus.

Fig. 2. The nominative sub-spe...