Notes on the population reinforcement project for Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in a natural park of northwestern Italy (Testudines: Emydidae)

Reinforcement of an Emys orbicularis (LINNAEUS, 1758) population was carried out during a two Years pilot project in "Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino" (northwestern Italy), where the species seems to be seriously threatened. The acclimation (continuous presence, winter survival) of the reintroduced specimens seemed to be satisfactory, but reproduction was never observed. The ecological traits of the area meet well with the needs of the tortoise. Paucity of suitable nesting sites, due to human activities, probably causes the current scattered distribution of Emys in the park