4 Freshwater Turtles in the Valencia Region + How to find them
This site contains affiliate links, so I might receive a commission if you click and buy something. It doesn´t cost you any extra, but I could treat myself to some extra snacks to keep me going on my outdoor adventures! Read more in my Privacy Policy
Do you love finding wildlife in its natural environment, while you are out on your adventures? I know I do!
In the summer I spend a lot of time in and around icy cold freshwater in the Valencia Region, in both the countryside and in the mountain, and I am always creeping around to see what animals I can find!
In the Costa Blanca and the Valencia region, there are various freshwater habitats where turtles can be found, such as: Reservoirs, slow-moving rivers, ponds, lakes and irrigation canals around agricultural fields.
TOP TIPS: How to find freshwater turtles
Here are 20 proven tips that you can use to find freshwater turtles in the Valencia region…
2x Native Freshwater Turtles
The two native species of freshwater turtles are:
- Spanish Pond Turtle (Mauremys leprosa)
- European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis)
.
Features of these native freshwater turtles:
- Nationality: They are native to the Iberian Peninsula (which covers Spain and Portugal, as well as some of France and Andorra)
- Size: 12-20cm (smaller than the invasive freshwater turtles)
- Behaviour: Very shy, and prefers to relax in more hidden locations
.
They are considered vulnerable due to presence of invasive species…
2x Non-native Freshwater Turtles
The two exotic invasive (non-native) species of freshwater turtles are:
- Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta)
- Yellow Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)
.
Features of these invasive freshwater turtles:
- Nationality: They are originally from the southern/southeastern United States
- Size: 20-30cm (bigger than the invasive freshwater turtles)
- Behaviour: Bolder, with more confidence to sunbathe in exposed locations.
.
The danger of invasive freshwater turtles:
- The Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta) and Yellow Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) freshwater turtles are usually introduced due to being released by pet-owners.
- Consequently, they can also be present in more urban bodies of water, such as in: urban parks, and artificial ponds.
- The invasive species´ reproduce quickly, displacing native freshwater turtles from their habitats.
- It has been illegal to release them in Valencia since
- The Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta) and Yellow Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) are included in Spain’s official list of invasive alien species, and actively controlled.
Spanish Pond Turtle (Mauremys leprosa)
- Appearance: Green/bronze shell
- Popularity: This is the most common native species in the Valencia region
.
The Spanish Pond Turtle (Mauremys leprosa) can be seen in:
- Parque Palmeral (Alicante). You can explore this palm tree park and meet the freshwater turtles on an “Adventure Hunt Alicante”. The turtles there are not shy!
- Canyoles River, which is a tributary of the Júcar River. This extends into the town of planes, so you may find turtles in the Barranco de la Encantada
- Embalse de Tous
- Albufera de Valencia
European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis)
- Appearance: Dark/black shell with yellow speckles
- Popularity: Less common than the Spanish Pond turtle
.
The European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) can be seen in:
Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta)
- Appearance: Red patches behind the eyes, with a striped shell, and bright yellow underneath
- Popularity: They are seen as widespread problem in Spanish reservoirs, because they displace the native freshwater turtles.
.
The Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta) can be seen in:
Yellow Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)
- Appearance: Yellow patches behind the eyes, a green shell with lighter stripes, and bright yellow underneath
- Popularity: It is less common than the Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta).
.
The Yellow Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) can be seen in:
Other Locations
- Río Monnegre (San Juan de Alicante). No turtles have been officially recorded here, but I have seen them with my own eyes during the Assut de Sant Joan hiking route.
- Rio Fraile. I saw one in the first natural pool, quite late in the day.
- Albufera de Anna (Anna lake, La Canal). All four species can be found here, and local conservation groups monitor these turtle populations.
I didn´t see any when I visited, but I was with a group of friends.
Nature Watching Tours
Love to see marine animals in their natural environment?
Get inspired to go on holiday to the Canary Islands, Fuengirola or Tenerife, and book a top tour to see dolphins and whales…
Want to explore more?
Challenge yourself while discovering Alicante’s hidden spots with an “Adventure Hunt”.
Share these adventures with your friends!
Learn more about the Wild Child Costa Blanca here
Check out my Costa Blanca outdoor adventures here
