Red-Eared Slider Turtle
Source : The Hindu
GS III : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Why in News ?

American turtle is threatening to invade the natural water bodies across the Northeast. The region is is home to 21 of the 29 vulnerable native Indian species of freshwater turtles and tortoises.

• Red-Eared Slider Turtle popular as pet.

Key Facts

• Recently various studies by NGO and Government agencies shows evidents for turtles pose a threat.
• The red-eared  slider scientifically namaed as Trachemys scripta elegans
• They had derives its name from red stripes around the part its ears and it had its ability to slide quickly off.
• Native to the U.S. and northern Mexico, this turtle is an extremely popular pet.
• What is the threat ?
  • They grow fast and virtually leave nothing for the native species to eat.
• The red-eared  slider has already affects States such as Karnataka and Gujarat, where it has been found in 33  natural water bodies.
• It is much important to stop its spread in the Brahmaputra and other river ecosystems in the Northeast is crucial because the Northeast is home to more than 72% of the turtle and tortoise species in the country, all of them very rare.
• Keeping it as a pet
  • Keep it as pets become sensitive about turtle conservation.
  • But this conservation endanger the local ecosystem.
  • In fact unknowingly releasing them in natural water bodies after they outgrow an aquarium, tank or pool at home leads to threat to other species.

What is an invasive species ?

• Any organism cause several negative impacts to their local ecosystem and environment such as affecting native biodiversity, causing economic losses and harming human health.
• Simply species that grow and reproduce quickly, and spread aggressively, with potential to cause harm, are given the label invasive.
• How they Spread ?
  • primarily spread by human activities.
  • some invasive species are intentionally or accidentally released pets.
  • higher average temperatures and changes in rain and snow patterns caused by climate change will enable some invasive plant species.
• Examples are Burmese pythons, Lantana plants etc.
• Direct threat to the native wildlife are
  • Preying on native species
  • Outcompeting native species for food
  • Causing or carrying disease
  • Preventing native species from reproducing

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