Latvia Releases Turtles to Restore Historic Populations

Latvian biologists released ten European pond turtles into the Ruģeļi wetland near Daugavpils, hoping to rebuild a population diminished by human activity. The turtles spent five years at the Latgale Zoo, gaining size and strength to improve their chances of survival against predators like birds of prey and otters.

Prior to the release, the wetland underwent extensive restoration work, including bank cleaning and mud collection, to make it suitable for the reptiles. This release is part of a joint Latvian-Lithuanian project funded with over 700,000 euros, 85% from the European Union, aiming to restore wetlands and bolster rare native species.

Currently, scientists estimate only 100 to 150 turtles remain in Latvia, with limited reproduction. The project began 40 years ago with the discovery of a single female turtle and her eggs, and researchers hope the released turtles will spread and establish a self-sustaining population across a wide area.