The unsettling presence of the invasive and non-native species of Red-Eared Slider Turtles in India has raised concerns among experts, fearing it might lead to the extinction of native species. Of the 356 recognized turtle species globally, India nurtures 29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises, sadly with nearly 80% facing a threat to their existence.
About The Red-Eared Slider Turtle
Named “slider” due to their tendency to slide off their sun-basking spots into the water at the sight or sound of potential predators, the Red-Eared Slider Turtle is primarily an aquatic creature that enjoys basking on rocks and logs. They are listed as controlled pest animals under the Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. The scientific name for this species is Trachemys scripta elegans.
Distinctive Features of the Red-Eared Slider Turtle
A distinctive broad red or orange stripe is visible behind each of their eyes, with the rest of their black body adorned with narrow yellow stripes marking their neck, legs, and tail. Notably, they possess long claws on their front and hind legs, more prominently in males than females. When threatened, they retract their heads straight back into their shells, unlike native turtles that tuck their neck sideways under the shell.
The Turtle’s Habitat
Originating from South-Eastern USA and Mexico, these creatures can adapt to various habitats including estuaries and coastal wetlands with brackish water and tolerate organic pollutants such as effluent and inorganic pollutants.
The Concern Over Turtle’s Presence in India
Red-Eared Slider Turtles have become popular pets in India where keeping indigenous turtles as pets is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act. As these foreign breeds grow larger and start breeding rapidly, pet owners often release them in the wild or nearby water bodies, posing a threat to local fauna. They are found in urban wetlands such as Sukhna lake in Chandigarh, temple ponds of Guwahati, lakes of Bengaluru, Sanjay Gandhi national park in Mumbai, Yamuna River in Delhi, and more.
The Effect on Native Species
These aggressive invaders mature fast, out-compete native turtles for food and nesting sites, and can decimate a broad range of aquatic species, including fish and rare frogs. They can also transfer diseases and parasites to native reptile species. The Red-Eared Slider Turtles are among the world’s 100 worst invasive non-native species due to their adverse impact on the environment.
Possible Control Measures
To prevent further harm to the Indian environment, stricter rules to block the entry of the species are necessary. Manual intervention to procure and rehabilitate these turtles from urban wetlands is crucial. Campaigns encouraging people to surrender these turtles could be effective. These turtles should then be restrained, captured, and sent to local zoos.
International Programmes on Invasive Species
Various international programmes focus on invasive species. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000) aims to safeguard biological diversity from potential risks posed by Living Modified Organisms. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizes controlling or eradicating alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats, or species. To conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) or Bonn Convention (1979) was instituted. It also targets the control or elimination of invasive alien species that are already present. Likewise, the Ramsar Convention (1971) addresses the environmental, economic, and social impact of invasive species on wetlands.