Nesting migrations in a population of the European pond turtleEmys orbicularis(L.) (Chelonia Emydidae) from central Italy

A wild population of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (L.), has been studied using visual inspection and radiotracking of tagged animals inhabiting a pond inside the Monte Rufeno Natural Reserve, a wooded hilly area in central Italy. A sudden decrease in the number of the females inhabiting the pond was observed during a 1-week period, in June 1994. Radiotracking of seven females leaving the pond revealed the occurrence of overland movements toward two distinct areas, for nesting at 150 and 600 m from the home pond. Details on the nesting migrations of this species are given for the first time in the present paper. Laying was also observed: seven nests were identified and two of them were enclosed to prevent predation. Three out of five non-protected nests were destroyed within a few days of laying. Incubation time (83–89 days) was determined on a clutch protected from predation. Keywords: nesting migrationhatchingreptilesturtles Emys orbicularis (L.)