Red-eared turtle a threat to water bodies Â
Context: An alien flower that choked the Avala Pandi canal at Perambra, yet another invasive species is posing a threat to the biodiversity of water bodies in the State. This time, it is a cute red-eared slider turtle, a huge hit with pet lovers.
About the species:
- Scientifically called Trachemys scripta elegans, is a favourite of pet lovers because of its small size and color, and noted T.V. Sajeev, Senior Principal Scientist and Research Coordinator, KFRI.
- The turtle can even be kept in a matchbox. But it grows fast. Adult turtles require lots of aquatic plants.
- They are omnivores. Many find it difficult to keep them as they grow bigger, and release them into water bodies.
- This turtle is considered one of the world’s worst invasive species.
- Illegal in many places:
- Originally from the area around the Mississippi river and the Gulf of Mexico, they live in still and warm water bodies such as ponds, lakes, streams, and slow- running rivers.
- They pose a major threat to native turtle specials, as they grow large, produce more offspring, and are aggressive.
- They can also transfer diseases and parasites to native reptiles. In Australia and the European Union, it is illegal to import and keep these turtles.
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