Progetto di reintroduzione della Testuggine palustre europea Emys orbicularis nelle pianure di Modena e Reggio Emilia.

The actions for the reintroduction of locally extinct species are a powerful tool to stem the loss of biodiversity. The reintroduction project of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) was undertaken in order to preserve a species of community importance, which is in sharp decline at the national level, and in danger of extinction locally, chosen as target species as widespread in the past in the areas of intervention. The reintroduction project consists of a feasibility study designed to assess the status of Emys orbicularis in the territory, the availability of the founders, select the release sites and identify factors of threat; a design phase, to define actions aimed at improving the suitability of the site and capture, marking and release mode of the founders, as well as aspects of dissemination and awareness raising of local populations. Finally, an executive phase, which has already seen the implementation of environment requalification of the Site “Fontanili di Corte Valle Re”, the genetic characterization of broodstock, the creation of a breeding center and is expected for 2013 the release of the first animals.