A Review of the European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis (Testudines: Emydidae), as a Subject for Integrative Population Studies

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The Proceedings of the EMYS Symposium, held at Dresden in 1996, were published in 1998 as the 10th issue of Mertensiella. This volume, consisting of 28 articles and seven notes all devoted to the systematics, ecology, physiology, and conservation of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) populations, is reviewed in the light of its significance as a first step toward the international exchange of information/experiences for the comprehensive understanding of this widely distributed, but locally differentiated and threatened species. All the articles and notes, though arranged in a rather curious way, contribute much to our knowledges of this systematically interesting and conservationally important turtle, which, until recently, had been poorly studied from the viewpoint of population biology. Reading of this book, one can realize the importance of integrative approaches for the designation of effective conservation measures, especially for a wide-ranging polymorphic organism like this species. This volume is thus recommended for the bookshelves of all students interested in this and relevant fields of biology. Applications of a few other methods/techniques, such as the multivariate analysis of morphological characters and allozyme electrophoresis, are recommended to further improve the evaluation of taxonomic status and conservation priority for local populations of this turtle. Establishment of the criteria and guidelines for international translocation-based conservation procedures seems to be an urgent necessity.