European Pond Terrapin

The European pond terrapin (also called the European pond turtle or European pond tortoise), Emys orbicularis is a long-living freshwater species of turtle found in southern and central Europe, West Asia and North Africa. In the early post-glacial period, the pond turtle had a much wider distribution, being found as far north as southern Sweden.
Emys orbicularis turtles prefer to live in wetlands surrounded by a large proportion of natural, wooded, landscape. Species of Emys orbicularis are also found in upland environments for feeding. Emys orbicularis is usually considered semi-aquatic, as their terrestrial movements can span 1000 meters, and occasionally found traveling up to 4000 meters, away from the water.
Historically, Emys orbicularis species have been maintained and as pets, however, this practice prohibited due to protection laws. Due to human impact, turtles have been found to be relocated in areas distant from their origin. However, it is possible to localize and indicate a region of origin with genetic testing.