Critically endangered European pond turtle ( Emys orbicularis ) in western Slovakia: historical and current records with the discovery of a new reproducing population

The distribution of the European pond turtle ( Emys orbicularis ) in Slovakia represents one of the marginal parts of its occurrence. Despite numerous historical records, only two autochthonous and reproducing populations are currently known from two localities (Tajba National Nature Reserve and Poľany) in the southeastern part of the country. In this paper we present updated data on the distribution of E. orbicularis in western Slovakia, and evidence for a new reproducing population. Emys orbicularis has recently (after the year 2001) been recorded in 16 localities situated in the Danubian and Zahorska Lowlands. In three sites (Bratislava - Biskupicke rameno, Prievaly - Hlaviny and Rohožnik - Konopiska) turtles originally from Hungary were released as a part of a reintroduction programme; only in Bratislava - Biskupicke rameno, however, were observed repeatedly after the release. The origin of individuals reported from Chorvatsky Grob, Cierna Voda and Gbelce - Parižske mociare is questionable. The other recent records might be considered as autochthonous. A unique record comes from the locality Marcelova in the Danubian Lowland, where adult, subadult and juvenile turtles have regularly been observed. Marcelova thus represents a third known reproducing population in Slovakia. However, detailed data about distribution, ecology and genetic diversity of E. orbicularis in Slovakia are very limited or completely missing. Therefore, we argue that more studies are needed to develop strategies for the conservation of the European pond turtle in Slovakia.