The introduction of the Florida pond turtle and other invasive non-native pond turtle species into Iberian wetlands is having serious environmental consequences, especially for native pond turtles. In our BIOPARC Valencia we receive juvenile specimens of the European pond turtle coming from the Valencian wetlands, at the age when the survival rate in the natural environment is lowest. They are kept in captivity, cared for by the park's team of reptile experts, in order to ensure your survival in this critical age, and to be freed again to their original habitat, with greater guarantees of strengthening wild populations.

In parallel, they collect specimens of the invasive Florida turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) and related species, which have been released uncontrolled to the environment, and compete for resources and space with native species of the Mediterranean basin. These collected tortoiseshells are temporarily displayed at the BV facility with a clear and direct educational message about the responsibility of owning pets of this type and the terrible effects of his release to the environment on native wildlife.

Partners:
Department of Infrastructure, Territory and Medi Environment, Generalitat Valenciana.