Emys

Emys is a small genus of freshwater turtles in the family Emydidae, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. The best-known member is Emys orbicularis, commonly called the European pond turtle; some taxonomies also recognize Emys trinacris (the Sicilian pond turtle) as a distinct species. Historically the name Emys has been applied more broadly, and several North American pond turtles were formerly placed in Emys before being reassigned.

Members of the genus are medium-sized, typically with a flattened, oval carapace often patterned in dark and lighter markings. They inhabit slow-moving or still freshwater bodies such as ponds, marshes, canals and slow rivers, favoring areas with aquatic vegetation and basking sites. Emys turtles are omnivorous; their diet includes aquatic invertebrates, small fish, amphibians, carrion and plant material. Reproduction involves terrestrial nesting, with females laying clutches of eggs in sandy or soft soil.

Conservation status varies by species and region. Emys orbicularis has a wide range but many local populations are declining because of habitat destruction, water pollution, road mortality, illegal collection and introduced predators. Conservation measures include habitat protection and restoration, legal protection, captive-breeding and translocation programs. The genus name derives from classical languages for freshwater turtle and has been the subject of ongoing taxonomic and conservation research.