Research Focus

European pond turtle

The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a small freshwater species of conservation concern and the only turtle species that is native to central Europe. Habitat loss and its use as a food source lead to the species almost completely disappearing from Germany. Its survival and successful reintroduction is closely liked to the protection and restoration of wetland ecosystems.

Monitoring Emys orbicularis, its social organisation, mating events, and reproductive output in the wild is particularly challenging. This difficulty arises from its cryptic biology, largely aquatic lifestyle, and nocturnal nesting habits. Additionally, the species’ ability to store sperm further complicates the study of its reproduction.

Freshwater crayfish

Freshwater crayfish are divided into 2 superfamilies, the Astacoidea and the Parastacoidea. Astacoidea includes Astacidae (European, Asian and North American species) and Cambaridae (North American species), while Parastacoidea includes only the family Parastacidae, representing the crayfish from the Southern Hemisphere.

Among the decapods, freshwater crayfish are key species of aquatic ecosystems, with a strong impact on the biodiversity of their habitat. Despite their high ecological significance and their economic value as luxury food products, native European crayfish of the Astacidae family are still unexplored at the genomic level.