Red-eared Turtle: A threat to Water Bodies

Description

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.