BROZ is implementing a new project “Cross-border initiative to support the conservation of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)”, funded by the Interreg Hungary-Slovakia Programme.
The aim of the project is to improve the habitat status of the European pond turtle through practical field measures, public education and joint monitoring of the endangered species on both sides of the border.
One of the main measures of the project will be the restoration of wetlands by creating 3 new bodies of water on the Slovakian side and restoring 2 earth-filled dead river channels on the Hungarian side. These will provide suitable habitats for the European pond turtle and also promote better water retention in the landscape during dry periods. In addition to the benefits for the turtle population, the new habitats are also expected to support biodiversity in a wider context.
“Restoration of wetlands and natural habitats are crucial for the conservation of more than just this critically endangered species,” says Tomáš Kušík, chairman of the conservation organisation BROZ.
“We also plan to create places to observe turtles in the wild.” He added.
The project, supported by a €546 344 contribution from the European Union, is being implemented in cooperation with the Hungarian national park Fertő-Hanság Nemzeti Park.
The project builds on the activities of BROZ, which has been working on the European turtle for a long time. One of the objectives of the project is also to transfer the acquired knowledge and experience to the Hungarian partners through bilateral workshops, study trips and a jointly developed methodology for the conservation of this turtle.
There are several reasons for the decline of the European pond turtle population in our territory: regulation of watercourses, cutting off of river side channels, intensification of agriculture, conversion of its habitats to arable land, use of chemicals and the spread of a non-native species – the pond slider turtle (Trachemys scripta).
During a previous project implemented by BROZ for the protection of the European pond turtle, several wetlands were revitalised, restored and new sites suitable for laying eggs were created.
A critical time in the turtles’ lives is the egg-laying and hatching phase, when the turtles face predation by foxes and other predators or threats from agricultural work, the BROZ said in its reports. A trained dog, Rexa, is involved in protecting the eggs, locating turtle eggs buried in the ground so that they can be secured with a protective mesh and protected from foxes and other predators that like to dig up the eggs. Over the past three seasons, Rexa has been able to locate and protect 70 nests, 20 eggs each, representing potentially up to 1,400 baby turtles.
The search for and protection of hatchlings of the European pond turtle will also be carried out by experts from Fertő-Hanság National Park as part of the project. Monitoring of the turtle population will also be carried out on both sides of the border.
The project also promotes cooperation with the public through a mobile application developed by the Hungarian partners, which will also be available in Slovakia. Citizens will be able to contribute by locating turtles and reporting the presence of non-native species. This form of participation promotes environmental education and raises awareness of nature conservation.