Waterward orientation and homing after experimental displacement in the European Pond Turtle,Emys orbicularis

The homing ability of Emys orbicularis living in a canal was tested on adult specimens whose home range had been previously assessed. Homing success was very high both from land and water (93 and 80%, respectively). Turtles released near the canal tend to initially move directly toward the nearest water, and then orient toward home. In contrast, turtles released further from the canal initially orient toward their home ranges. Homing cannot be entirely explained on the basis of topographic orientation.