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    Emydidae – Pond turtles

    The large and most diverse family of turtles, commonly known as the Marsh turtles

    Found alongside the permanent and intermittent waters of rivers, creeks, small lakes, ponds, and marshes, these teeny-tiny creatures can often be seen basking on land, logs, and tree branches as evolution has not given them the ability to regulate their body temperature.

    They can eat anything, from aquatic plants to small insects. They are the most closely related turtles to their cousins, the tortoises.

    They are the most sold turtles in pet trades, and the over-collection of these animals threatens many species of this family for sale. Their hatchlings are also easy prey for hungry predators or larger reptiles and birds in the wild.