The northeastern region of India, renowned for hosting over 72% of the nation’s turtle and tortoise species, is under a grave threat due to the invasion of the red-eared slider. This invasive species poses significant risks to the region’s aquatic biodiversity.
The Red-Eared Slider: An Introduction
Scientifically known as Trachemys scripta elegans, the red-eared slider originates from the US and northern Mexico. The species gets its unique name from the red stripes near its ears and its ability to slide swiftly off any surface into water.
Being small, easy to maintain, and relatively inexpensive, these turtles have gained popularity as household pets. Yet, their popularity comes with dire consequences.
Why is the Red-Eared Slider a Threat?
The fast-growing nature of this invasive species makes them consume large amounts of food, leaving little to nothing for the native species. Their proliferation negatively impacts the environment and the species inhabiting the areas they invade.
Additionally, a catch-22 situation arises as people adopting these turtles as pets develop sensitivity towards turtle conservation. However, they inadvertently end up endangering local ecosystems by releasing the pet turtles into natural water bodies once they outgrow their home aquariums, tanks, or pools.
The Impact on Human Health
The red-eared slider poses a potential risk to human health. These species may accumulate toxins in their bodies, which then infiltrate the food chain, ultimately reaching humans.
Other Invasive Species in India
India hosts an array of invasive species like the Charru Mussel, Lantana bushes, Indian Bullfrog, etc., all causing ecological or economic harm to their non-native environments.
International Instruments and Programmes Addressing Invasive Species
Several international treaties and protocols aim to protect biodiversity against the risks posed by invasive species. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000) safeguards biological diversity against potential risks from Living Modified Organisms.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, recognises the invasion of alien plant species as the second biggest environmental threat, after habitat destruction.
Similarly, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) or Bonn Convention (1979) seeks to conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their range while also controlling or eliminating already present invasive alien species.
CITES, an international agreement adopted in 1975, aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants specimens does not threaten their survival. This agreement also addresses the problems posed by invasive species involved in trade that threatens live animals or plants’ survival.
Lastly, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (1971) works towards the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It also emphasizes the environmental, economic, and social impact of invasive species on wetlands, highlighting control methods and solutions for combating these destructive organisms.
