EN
The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is endangered in many areas within its distribution range. Thus, protection programmes for the turtle populations are in place. However, the efficiency of some techniques (including a highly manipulative one - headstarting) is questionable. Elasticity analysis was conducted using the life history data gathered in central Poland during the period 1986 - 2002. The analysis revealed that headstarting is a fairly ineffective method. The most effective methods are those that protect adult individuals. Thus, methods that can sustain a decreasing adult mortality rate should be recommended for turtle conservation.