Biodiversity protection is at the heart of the NESTS project, led by the Regional Natural Reserves of the Eastern Coast of Taranto as Lead Beneficiary. Through coordinated actions aimed at strengthening the conservation of species and habitats across the project area, as the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), found across most of continental and insular Italy, with the exception of the Alpine and Apennine areas.
However, this species is currently undergoing a significant decline, mainly due to the loss, degradation and fragmentation of its natural habitats, particularly wetlands, ponds and marshes. An additional threat is posed by non-native freshwater turtles of the genus Trachemys, which have historically been widely sold as pets and are sometimes released into natural water bodies. Their high adaptability, competitive capacity and overlap with Emys orbicularis in terms of habitat use and feeding resources can negatively affect native aquatic species and ecosystems.
Due to its high ecological sensitivity and vulnerability to habitat degradation, disturbance and competition from invasive species, Emys orbicularis is currently the focus of several conservation actions, including European initiatives aimed at supporting its reintroduction into suitable natural habitats.
Achieving these objectives requires parallel measures to monitor and remove Trachemys turtles from natural ecosystems, while creating safe and favourable conditions in which Emys orbicularis can be protected and reproduce successfully. These preparatory actions are essential to support the long-term recovery of the species and improve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
Through the NESTS project, the Regional Natural Reserves of the Eastern Coast of Taranto are actively contributing to the conservation of the European pond turtle by establishing a dedicated Centre for the Conservation, Breeding and Reintroduction of Emys orbicularis, which will soon be ready to begin its activities.
A new and significant step towards biodiversity conservation is therefore taking shape within the Regional Natural Reserves of the Municipality of Manduria.
