site.btaLegal Control of Trade, Release of Alien Turtle Species in Bulgaria Is Necessary - Expert

Legal Control of Trade, Release of Alien Turtle Species in Bulgaria Is Necessary - Expert

Sofia, August 31 (BTA) - Legal provisions for control of trade,
raising and release of invasive for Bulgaria species of turtle
have to be drawn up an applied, Assoc. Prof. Nikolai Nachev said
 in an interview for BTA. Nachev teaches at the universities of
Vienna and Shoumen (Northeastern Bulgaria) and his research is
focused on turtles.
   
He participated in the organization of an international
conference on the protection of the European pond turtle (Emys
orbicularis), held this month in the seaside town of Kiten.

The European pond turtle is shy and the establishment if various
 aspects of their biology is not easy at all. In Bulgaria, they
are threatened by illegal trade with alien species. In addition,
 there is a risk of loss of habitat and nesting sites. Emys
orbicularis species have become rare in most countries even
though they are widely distributed in Europe. The building of
roads and driving of cars through natural habitats of Emys is a
possible factor that threatens the populations of the European
pond turtle. 
          
"We currently have an incongruous situation in which anyone can
buy even and adult turtle for 15 leva. The main role of the
scientific community is to raise awareness about the problem
among the public," Nachev said. 
  
Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe where the species
 is encountered frequently, he added.