Newsroom
Seven baby Balkan terrapins have hatched at the Department of Forests’ Athalassa Environmental Information and Education Centre, marking the second successful breeding of the species at the facility.
The Centre is currently home to three adult turtles, with the breeding program forming part of its efforts to support the conservation of the native species, Mauremys rivulata.
Alongside its conservation work, the facility provides an opportunity for the public to learn about Cyprus’ wildlife and the importance of protecting native species and their habitats.
The Balkan terrapin is indigenous to Cyprus and is protected under national legislation, European directives and international conventions. Its population has faced growing pressure in recent years, particularly as suitable freshwater habitats become increasingly threatened.
Prolonged periods of drought have contributed to the drying of wetlands, while rivers and lakes have also been affected by dumping and infilling. Illegal collection of the turtles is another threat to the species.
The newly hatched turtles are part of a breeding effort intended to help strengthen the local population. The Department of Forests also plans to release turtles bred at the Centre into suitable areas of Cyprus.
For conservationists, each successful hatch represents a positive step in protecting the island’s biodiversity and maintaining suitable habitats for its native wildlife.
