Project Title: Balkan terrapin conservation project
Partners: Croatian Herpetological Society (HYLA), Veterinary Faculty in Zagreb, Biological Research Association (BIOM)
Project Start 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 widely distributed and numerous in the southern parts of the country, it now survives only in a few small populations. The main causes for this decline are intensive agriculture and water body interventions, which have led to the extinction of the population in Stonsko Polje. Due to its high sensitivity to habitat changes and human impact, the Balkan Terrapin is legally protected. The Zagreb Zoo has been actively working on its conservation for many years through various research and conservation projects.

The ” Balkan Terrapin Protection project” began 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 so they could be returned to nature after their habitats were restored. Although the number of found individuals was extremely small, the Zagreb Zoo was able to take in seized individuals from a private collection. Upon their arrival at the Zoo, the turtles underwent health assessments and 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 provide conditions for successful breeding of turtles in captivity, with the goal of future reintroduction into areas 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. However, due to an insufficient number of genetic samples from Croatia, more detailed genotyping studies were temporarily hindered, with plans to continue in 2013. This project is the result of collaboration 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, activities to conserve this endangered species in Croatia continued. The Zoo conducts research on the reproductive biology of females, collecting data on incubation and monitoring the growth and development of hatchlings within their first year of life. After this period, the hatchlings and adult individuals are returned to the area from which they were temporarily collected.

The project’s aim includes in situ population monitoring as well as ex-situ breeding individuals as a preparation for their reintroduction after habitat revitalization. Collecting data on the reproductive biology of the species is crucial for further planning conservation and habitat management steps. Additionally, through awareness-raising activities, the project emphasizes the importance of this species for maintaining ecological balance in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

LIFE Project: “LIFE for Mauremys”

The “LIFE for Mauremys” project focuses on the conservation of River Terrapins (Mauremys rivulata) within the Natura 2000 areas in southern Croatia. It is the result of years of efforts to protect the species, emphasizing habitat quality improvement and population strengthening through a breeding program. The project involves habitat restoration, quality and connectivity enhancement, and population reinforcement through breeding. Community involvement is crucial for 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.

The project plans to remove 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.

Stranica projekta:

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, where four isolated populations represent the northwestern edge of its range. Recent studies have shown a drastic decline in population 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. The hatchlings produced in Zagreb Zoo will be released into restored and secured river terrapin habitats in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, with a total of 40 hatchlings expected to be released.

In addition to other project activities, the Zoo will organize volunteer efforts and create an animated film highlighting the importance of river terrapin conservation. The project will also focus on removing invasive plant and animal species from river terrapin habitats, securing nesting sites from predators, developing new networks to reduce river terrapin mortality during incidental hunting, and collaborating with landowners to reduce invasive 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 unfavorable 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.