Project Title: Balkan terrapin conservation project
Partners: Croatian Herpetological Society (HYLA), Veterinary Faculty in Zagreb, Biological Research Association (BIOM)
Project Commencement Year: 2008
Status: Active
Species: Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata)
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Species Status in Croatia (Red List): Endangered (EN)

The Balkan Terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) is the most endangered turtle species in Croatia. Once widespread and abundant in the southern regions of the country, it now survives only in a few small, isolated populations. The primary factors contributing to its decline include intensive agricultural practices and modifications to water bodies, which have led to the extinction of the population in Stonsko Polje. Due to its high vulnerability to habitat changes and human activities, the Balkan Terrapin is legally protected. For many years, the Zagreb Zoo has been dedicated to its conservation through a variety of research and preservation initiatives.

The ” Balkan Terrapin Protection project” was launched in 2008 when it was determined that the Ston population of Balkan Terrapin was on the brink of extinction. The project’s goal was to temporarily capture the remaining individuals and place them in captivity, where they could be rehabilitated and later reintroduced into their natural habitat once it had been restored. Despite the small number of individuals found, the Zagreb Zoo was able to rescue additional turtles from a private collection. Upon their arrival at the Zoo, the turtles underwent thorough health assessments and received necessary rehabilitation.

In addition to rehabilitation, the project played an important educational role and included genotyping (analysis of the genotypes of seized turtles for comparison with known populations in the species’ range). The project also aims to establish optimal conditions for successful breeding of turtles in captivity, with the long-term goal of reintroducing them into regions where they have become extinct.

In 2012, the project conducted screenings for blood parasites, with negative results, although vectors capable of transmitting parasites among individuals were identified. Unfortunately, due to an insufficient number of genetic samples from Croatia, more detailed genotyping studies were temporarily delayed, with plans to resume in 2013. This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the Croatian Herpetological Society (HYLA), the Veterinary Faculty in Zagreb, the Biological Research Association (BIOM), and the Zagreb Zoo.

Following the completion of the population studies of Balkan Terrapin in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, conservation activities for this endangered species in Croatia have continued. The Zoo is conducting research on the reproductive biology of female terrapins, collecting data on incubation and closely monitoring the growth and development of hatchlings during their first year of life. After this initial period, both hatchlings and adult individuals are returned to their original habitats, from which they were temporarily collected.

The project aims to monitor in situ populations while also breeding individuals ex situ in preparation for their reintroduction following habitat revitalization. Gathering data on the species’ reproductive biology is essential for informing future conservation efforts and habitat management strategies. Additionally, through awareness-raising activities, the project highlights the critical role this species plays in maintaining ecological balance within the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

LIFE Project: “LIFE for Mauremys”

The “LIFE for Mauremys” project is dedicated to the conservation of River Terrapins (Mauremys rivulata) within the Natura 2000 areas in southern Croatia. Building on years of conservation efforts, the project focuses on improving habitat quality and strengthening the species’ population through a targeted breeding program.

Key activities include habitat restoration, enhancing ecological quality and connectivity, and reinforcing wild populations through captive breeding. Community involvement plays a vital role, especially in raising awareness about the importance of river turtle conservation.

The project is implemented in partnership with Hrvatske vode, the Faculty of Agriculture, NGO Hyla, the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and the Agency for Vocational Education and Adult Education. The total project value is €2,131,407.11, with 60% co-financing from EU funds. It will run until October 2026.

Planned actions include the removal of invasive plant and animal species from River Terrapins habitats, secure nesting sites from predators, develop new networks to reduce turtle mortality during incidental hunting, and collaborate with landowners to reduce invasive agricultural practices. Educational programs, workshops, and volunteer activities will further contribute to raising awareness about the river turtle as an umbrella species for healthy Mediterranean wetland habitats.

For more details about the project, please visit the project page: LIFE for Mauremys.

Project website:

LIFE for Mauremys – River Terrapin – Conservation of an Umbrella Species in Mediterranean Wetlands of Dubrovnik-Neretva County

Project Goal: Conservation of the river terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) within Natura 2000 areas in southern Croatia.

Project Overview: The river terrapin is one of the most endangered reptiles in this part of Europe. In Croatia, where it is strictly protected, its distribution is limited to the southern region. Here, four isolated populations mark the northwestern edge of the species’ global range. Recent research has revealed a dramatic decline in their numbers compared to data from the 1980s.

The LIFE for Mauremys project will enhance the quality of river terrapin habitats at locations including the Neretva Delta, Gornji Majkovi, the village of Prljevići, Konavle, and the southeastern part of the Pelješac Peninsula, specifically Stonsko Polje. The most critical population is in Stonsko Polje, which will be targeted for reinforcement.

An ex-situ breeding program will be established at the Zagreb Zoo. A special facility will be constructed for breeding river terrapins, and necessary protocols will be developed. Hatchlings raised at the zoo will be released into rehabilitated and protected habitats within Dubrovnik-Neretva County, with around 40 hatchlings expected to be reintroduced.

In addition to other project activities, the Zagreb Zoo will also coordinate volunteer initiatives and produce an animated film to highlight the importance of river terrapin conservation. Additional project activities include the removal of invasive plant and animal species from key habitats, protection of nesting areas from predators, the creation of networks to minimize accidental terrapin deaths during hunting, and collaboration with landowners to reduce harmful agricultural practices. Guidelines for the restoration and management of Mediterranean freshwater habitats and nesting sites, as well as “turtle-friendly” agricultural practices for landowners, will be developed.

Through workshops, seminars, educational tourism, and volunteer programs, the project aims to raise public awareness about the importance of the river terrapin as an umbrella species for healthy Mediterranean wetland habitats.

Partners: The main coordinator of the LIFE for Mauremys project (GA: 101071737) is the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, with partners including the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, NGO Hyla, Hrvatske vode, and the Zagreb Zoo. The project is funded through the LIFE Program, a European Union instrument aimed at financing environmental protection activities.

Total Project Value: €2,131,407.11, with 60% co-financing from EU funds (€1,278,844.26), and additional funding from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund totaling €267,731.00.

The project will run until October 2026.

For more information about the project, please visit the official project page: LIFE for Mauremys. You can also follow news and events here: Updates and Events.

Summary:

The “LIFE for Mauremys” project aims to preserve the unfavourable conservation status of the river terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) in all Natura 2000 areas within Dubrovnik-Neretva County. In line with the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the project focuses on Mediterranean freshwater habitats crucial for river terrapins and biodiversity in general. Activities include habitat restoration, quality improvement, and population reinforcement through a breeding program, with community involvement essential for raising awareness of river terrapin conservation.