European pond turtle

Emys orbicularis

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The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a medium-sized aquatic turtle found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It has a dark, often blackish shell with yellow spots and stripes, which are more prominent in juveniles. This species prefers slow-moving or stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and marshes with abundant aquatic vegetation and basking sites.