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EUROPEAN POND TERRAPIN


EUROPEAN POND TERRAPIN
Photo Information
Copyright: Marius Secan (marius-secan) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2007 W: 0 N: 5412] (29598)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2010-05-09
Categories: Amphibians
Camera: Nikon D300, Sigma APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2010-05-14 2:07
Viewed: 3904
Points: 32
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
EUROPEAN POND TERRAPIN (EMYS ORBICULARIS)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The European pond terrapin (also called the European pond turtle or European pond tortoise), Emys orbicularis is a long-living freshwater species[2] of turtle found in southern and central Europe, West Asia and North Africa. In the early post-glacial period, the pond turtle had a much wider distribution, being found as far north as southern Sweden.


The European pond turtle is a medium size turtle and varies quite a bit across its distribution, from 12 to 38 cm length. Its shell is brown with a hint of green, spotted yellow.

An important factor that affects Emys orbicularis development is temperature and thermal conditions. It has been reported that differential growth rates of the same species occur, including variation of body size and clutch sizes, because of varying temperatures in certain areas.

Emys orbicularis turtles eat a mixed diet of plants and animal matter that can increase the efficiency of their digestive process. Although it is assumed that Emys orbicularis turtles are strictly carnivorous, it seems that not all Emys orbicularis are entirely carnivorous as their diet also consists of plant material.It has been reported that an adult's diet starts from a carnivorous to a more herbivorous diet as it ages and grows in size. This is also very similar to other omnivore Emydidae turtles.

Most freshwater turtles lay their eggs on land, typically near a water body, but some species of Emys have been found to lay their eggs distances less than 150 meters from water. The search of a nesting areas by adult females can last several hours to more than one day. Once the location of the nest is established, females spend time for the construction of the nest, laying of the eggs, and closing the nest which can take up to another 4 hours.

Climate has an effect on the survival of Emys orbicularis hatchlings. Hatchlings are only able to survive under favorable weather conditions, but due to regular annual clutch sizes and long lifespan, Emys orbicularis adults, along with many freshwater turtles, balance out loss of hatchlings due to climate.

Emys orbicularis species have become rare in most countries even though they are widely distributed in Europe. The building of roads and driving of cars through natural habitats of Emys is a possible factor that threatens the populations of the European pond turtle. Road networks and traffic often carry complex ecological effects to animal populations such as fragmenting natural habitats and creating barriers for animal movement. Mortality on the road is most likely due to females selecting nests near roads which places a potential danger for the hatchlings as well. Hatchlings that wander too closely to roads are more likely to be killed and put the future population in danger.
montivipera, maurydv, jlinaresp, cloud, siggi, boreocypriensis, Sascha-Steinau has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Amazing capture of this shy terrapin, TFS.
Naşit

What an interesting turtle, Marius! i suggest some minor level adjustment, but otherwise great portrait of the creature!
Regards,
George Veltchev

Hello Marius,
a superb portrait of Emys orbycularis, in Italy now rare because of Trachemis species, outstanding sharpness and splendid colours, excellent POV, DOF and composition
TFS
Best regards
Maurizio

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6595 W: 89 N: 15659] (65489)
  • [2010-05-14 5:27]

Hi Marius,what a nice point of view,so low and so perfect...a very interesting and different way to take a turtle,excellents colors,sharpness and composition.Thanks for share,have a nice day,LUCIANO

Hello Marius,
Excellent way to photograph a turtle! ... I like the cut and the POV at the turtle level. Days ago, appeared in my yard a little ground turtle (yes, here in Venezuela this can easily happen in our backyards, ha ha ha ....) And I did some pics of this turtle, but I could not cut them, and even I think my POV was incorrect. Now, afer i see your picture of a turtle, I'll have better luck next time! Very thanks for sharing this shot, is a very beautiful turtle, portrayed with good taste and best technique. TFS, Regards.

PS: Very useful note also.

Jesús

Buna Marius,
Un portret frumos de testosa, focus perfect, detalii excelente si culori naturale.
Un sfarsit de saptamana placut!
Mircea

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 967 W: 26 N: 3888] (16941)
  • [2010-05-14 9:53]

Buna
Fain portret! Ma mir ca mai supravietuiesc, aici sunt multe balti invadate de exoticele broaste testoase cu urechi rosii de California.
Numai bine
Razvan

  • Great 
  • cloud Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 497 W: 111 N: 1535] (9539)
  • [2010-05-14 11:02]

Hello Marius
I haven't met this species in nature. Although all animal isn't sharp but its head is very sharp and have interesting colours and pattern.
Regards, Pawel

Ciao Marius. Interesting caopture wit good light's management and nice colours. Well done.

Roberto

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2010-05-14 12:42]

Hello Marius,
Wonderful shot of European pond terrapin .
Lovely composition and its good presentation.
Best regards Siggi

Hi Marius,

Great shot of this beautiful terrapin, the sharpness looks excellent. Good colours and great composition too. The horizontal crop works well.
TFS and have a nşce WE!
Cheers,

Bayram

Bonjour Marius,
Quelle belle pose ! et les dessins sont splendides
Merci, Amicalement
Laurent

super poza, mersi pentru postare

nice portrait, TFS Ori

Hi Marius,
thats an amazing picture of a Emys.
I love that and also all european turtles!

TFS
Sascha

hi marius, excellent photo from the very rare emys orbiculare...i´ve got two emys in my pond since a lot of years here in germany, own breading not from the wild...nice animals...
cheers
chris

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