2023-05-19 10:36:00
In the past few weeks, however, many small turtles have left their nests here. “We have been regularly in the Donau-Auen since March to check the clutches that have hatched,” reported Maria Schindler, head of the pond turtle protection project.
“Using the remains of the eggshell and the undeveloped eggs, we estimate how many hatchlings hatched. It was a great turtle season with over 1,000 hatchlings, but only a fraction of them make it to adulthood,” explained Schindler, speaking at the endangered species Day – a day to draw attention to the many endangered animal species.
Females begin laying eggs
Schönbrunn Zoo has been supporting the National Park’s species protection program since 2007, primarily by handling clutch sponsorships. You can also observe this endangered species in the zoo and learn more regarding the protective measures. The focus of the project is to protect the many clutches from predators.
“From May to July we observe the female turtles laying their eggs and provide each clutch with a special protective grid. This prevents wild boar or foxes from digging up the eggs.” In 2022, 164 clutches were protected in this way. The mesh size is chosen so that the turtle hatchlings can get through unhindered. After hatching, many juveniles leave the nest burrows in the autumn of the same year, while others spend the winter in them. Now that the last stragglers have left the nests, the females start laying eggs once more.
Turtles of all ages
Female pond turtles are extremely site-loyal. Since every adult turtle is tagged, the project team knows almost everyone personally. “It’s always nice to see old friends. Female #42, for example, is 60 to 80 years old and has been returning to her nesting area for over 20 years,” Schindler said. The project is already bearing fruit: “In the past, you only saw adult pond turtles, if at all. Now you can see turtles of all ages. We are therefore very grateful for the great cooperation between the Donau-Auen National Park and Schönbrunn Zoo,” says Edith Klauser, National Park Director.
But the commitment of everyone involved is still required. Those staying near the National Park are asked to drive slowly to avoid road casualties. It is also important to behave respectfully towards the animals and to keep enough distance. Under no circumstances should turtles from the trade be released into the wild – they differ genetically from the native ones and displace them.
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