Can we still breed aquatic turtles? What species?

Table of Contents

1. The aquatic turtle
2. Is it still legal to adopt aquatic turtles?
3. What species of aquatic turtles are allowed?
4. What species of aquatic turtles are prohibited in France?
5. Is it still possible to adopt a protected turtle?
6. How to take care of an aquatic turtle?
7. Aquatic Turtle Aquaterrarium
8. Turtle food
9. Aquatic turtle health

The aquatic turtle:

what are we talking about?

The huge family of turtles includes two main subgroups: aquatic turtles, which exclusively live in water or, in the case of some species, both in the water and on land, and land turtles, who only live on land.
When we use the terms aquatic turtle or water turtle, we are referring to both freshwater and marine turtles. While sea turtles can only live in the ocean, freshwater turtles can also live on land.

Is it still legal to adopt aquatic turtles?

A brief update on French legislation

The law in France does not recognize the turtle as a domestic animal, if it even qualifies as one. Why ? Because of the trade in these small creatures, many species around the world have practically vanished, including the Hermann's tortoise, the sole species native to France. The majority of private adopters have nurtured these turtles without understanding their needs, to the point where they have released a significant number of them into the wild without considering the repercussions of their actions. As victims of poaching, these turtles are severely threatened.

As a result, the state ultimately put in place stringent rules. For instance, hundreds of people eager to please their children have adopted the long-marketed Florida turtle, not even recognizing the length of these animals' lives or having a profound understanding of their needs. They released them in large numbers because they were worn out into an environment that wasn't their own, which either resulted in many fatalities or, alternatively, in an unchecked proliferation that threatened local ecosystems.

What species of aquatic turtles are allowed?

Two species of freshwater turtles are still authorized for adoption without specific declaration, namely:

Elseya turtle
Emydura tortoise 
Leopard tortoises 

Adoption of Mauremys sinensis and Mauremys reevesii is permitted up to a specified number of people and with the possession of a certificate of capacity.

What species of aquatic turtles are prohibited in France?

The trading and breeding of several turtles have been outlawed in France. Many types of tortoises, sea turtles, and freshwater turtles have been banned since the October 8, 2018, decree dealing to the basic rules for maintaining animals of non-domesticated species.

Is it still possible to adopt a protected turtle?

Some aquatic turtle species that are illegal in France are marketed elsewhere. Be warned, though, that you won't be able to legally import your pet into France because doing so will be seen as supporting the poaching of a protected species. However, depending on the species, there are some restrictions that let you to legally adopt a turtle. In fact, it is permitted to adopt an unlicensed aquatic turtle as long as its parents are theirs, as stated in the decree from October 8, 2018, relating to the laws for keeping animals of non-domestic species. even those born in a cage. Consequently, you'll need to consult a lawyer. breeding of turtles born in captivity. The adopted turtle must be equipped with a chip and identified in the IFAP register (Identification of protected wildlife). 

How to take care of an aquatic turtle?

It is not advisable to improvise when raising an aquatic turtle. In order to provide the animal with the best possible living environment, you must provide yourself with an aquaterrarium and the necessary supplies.

Aquatic Turtle Aquaterrarium

• An aquaterrarium for an aquatic turtle must respect the following characteristics.
• Its material: glass or PVC.
• Its volume: 45 to 50 liters at least for one individual.
• Its minimum dimensions: 80 cm long, 40 cm wide and 50 cm high for an individual.
• The minimum water height: 30 cm, i.e. at least twice the size of the turtle.
• The height between the surface of the water and the top of the aquaterrarium: at least 20 cm for an adult turtle or at least 10 cm for a young turtle.
• Water heating: at least 1 W capacity for 2 liters of water.
• Ambient temperature; between 24 and 26 degrees. Equipment: a floating beach made of gravel, sand, or cork; a heating lamp; a UVB lighting system (index 8 to 10); a pump; and these items.

Installing the aquaterrarium requires keeping it out of direct sunlight and drafts. To give it time to achieve a proper natural equilibrium, it must be prepared at least two weeks before receiving a sea turtle. A water turtle needs a small pool with a floating beach where it can spend part of the year in the open air. The turtle can hibernate if there are a few big stones..

Turtle food

A water turtle needs to be fed once every day. She can eat whole shrimp, water turtle pellets, duckweed, molluscs, powdered cuttlebone, aquatic plants, fish, lettuce, etc.

Aquatic turtle health

For a water turtle, one to two annual visits to the doctor are advised. Thus, the veterinarian who focuses on the care of new pets (NAC) can make sure the animal is healthy.

Of course, it is crucial to consult if there is even the slightest question. It is essential to see the doctor right away if the turtle exhibits any specific respiratory diseases, red spots on its scales, loss of appetite, transit problems, abnormal weariness, swelling in the eyes, weeping in the eyes, or even locomotor disorders.

Although aquatic turtles were once a popular companion for kids, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, it is now against the law to sell them. Unfortunately, this ban is related to the fact that many people released these animals into the wild out of boredom in an environment that was not designed for them, not understanding the needs of the animals or their longevity.