European Pond Terrapin

Emys orbicularis

Description:
European Pond Terrapin
Facts:

This species was brought into the UK as a pet and often released into the wild by owners as it grew larger. They will breed in the UK during a warm summer and it appears that there is now a self sustaining population in the wild. There are no proven problems from this species but little research has been carried out on their impact. This species was originally a UK native around 8,000 years ago.

Introduced:
1890 (first record)
Origin:
Mainland Europe
Location:
Stillwaters and rivers in the South and Midlands England.
Status:
Difficult to ascertain although it has bred in the UK
Problems:
Comments:
None known or proven.