A total of 102 specimens ofEmys orbiculariswere collected, marked and repeatedly located in a study area in southern Tuscany (Italy) during 3 consecutive years. Most of turtles inhabit a canal where they remain throughout the whole activity season (March to October) and where they overwinter as well. A few movements occurred to and from nearby temporary pools. In both sexes activity peaks in May and at the end of September. Males intensively use longer segments of the canal than females. Home ranges show inter-individual overlapping but fighting between males is frequent. Spatial distribution seems to be affected by aquatic vegetation which offers shelter and food. Basking on canal banks is a critical factor in the spatial strategy of this population and repeated use of the same basking site during the year is common. Both males and females show a definite fidelity to a constant segment of the canal during the year and from year to year.
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