Preliminary Data on the Population of the Sicilian Pond Turtle, Emys trinacris Fritz et al., 2005 (Emydidae) Inhabiting the Gorgo Tondo Basso in the “Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi” Nature Reserve, Sicily, Italy

The lack of data relating to basic life-history and population dynamics is one of the gaps to be filled in order to develop a proper strategy for the conservation of the Sicilian Pond Turtle (Emys trinacris). In this study, we present the results of the first year of a multi-annual monitoring program focusing on a specific wetland area, located within the “Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi” Nature Reserve (Sicily, Italy). The subpopulation size was estimated with capture-recapture method at 719 ± 47 turtles, with a mean density of 239.7 ± 15.7 ind./ha. The overall sex ratio of the captured individuals was males-biased (2.9 : 1) but also a significant differences between spring and summer was found. We discuss this finding in relation to differential reproductive strategies of the sexes, with the support of data on movements and on body condition. The importance of a multi-year monitoring approach is underlined in order to get a better understanding of the factors that affect the population ecology.