European Pond Turtle - Facts | 台北市立動物園資訊網

European pond turtles have become rare in most countries even though they are widely distributed in Europe. The building of roads and driving of cars through natural habitats is a possible factor that threatens the populations of the European pond turtle. Road networks and traffic often carry complex ecological effects on animal populations such as fragmenting natural habitats and creating barriers to animal movement. Mortality on the road is most likely due to females selecting nests near roads which places a potential danger for the hatchlings as well. Hatchlings that wander too close to roads are more likely to be killed and put the future population in danger. The climate also has an effect on the survival of European pond turtle hatchlings. The young are only able to survive under favorable weather conditions, but due to regular annual clutch sizes and long lifespan...