Trachemys scripta elegans (reptile)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Taxonomic name: Trachemys scripta elegans Seidel 2002 Synonyms: Chrysemys scripta var. elegans Boulenger 1889, Emys elegans Wied 1839, Emys holbrooki Gray 1844, Emys sanguinolenta Gray1855, Pseudemys scripta elegans Stebbins 1985, Trachemys lineata Gray 1873 Common names: red-eared slider (English), red-eared slider terrapin (Bahamas), Rotwangen-Schmuckschildkroete (German), tortue à tempe rouge (French), tortue de Floride (French) Organism type: reptile The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a popular pet and, as a result of its release into the wild, it has become established in many parts of the world. It is found both in fresh and brackish waters, including coastal marsh ponds and is thought to compete with native aquatic turtles. It is omnivorous and will eat insects, crayfish, shrimp, worms, snails, amphibians and small fish, as well as aquatic plants. Description The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a freshwater turtle with distinctive red flashes on the side of the head covering the tympanum. The carapace length of females is 20cm and males 12-13cm. The turtle has black and cream stripes on a green background on its dorsal scutes, and its ventral veiw scutes are marked with black markings on a cream background. The females shell is domed and the males relatively flat. The underside of the males is concave and they have a much longer tail. Males have long claws on the front legs which are used in the mating ritual. Occurs in: lakes, water courses, wetlands Habitat description The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) prefers larger bodies of quiet water with soft bottoms, an abundance of aquatic plants and suitable basking sites. It has been noted that T. s. scripta are able to tolerate periods of progressive pollution, which resulted in a increase in their population (Bringsøe, 2006). General impacts Currently, little information is available concerning possible negative impacts of Trachemys scripta on natural habitats and ecosystems. Much of this is due to the fact that the majority of individuals are found in urban areas of limited ecological value. However, should they be released into areas of high ecological value, it would be crucial to monitor the potential consequences on native faunas and floras, especially invertebrates, amphibians, native turtles (Emys orbicularis) and nesting birds (Bringsøe, 2006). Invertebrates such as dragon flies and their larvae seem to be targeted by the red-eared slider, also nesting birds and their young. The red-eared slider sits and basks on the birds nests and presses the nests into the water, thereby killing any eggs. They also predate on young birds by pulling them under water and drowning them (Pendlebury, P., Aliens-L March 12, 2004). Trachemys scripta is often infected by bacteria of the genera Salmonella and Arizona. In the USA and Canada several cases of transmission of salmonellosis from captive T. s. elegans were previously known. However, in Europe such cases have apparently been rare. (Bringsøe 2006). Notes These genera: Chrysemys.spp (Painted turtles- 4 sub species); Trachemys.spp (25 sub species including those from South America); Psuedemys.spp (10 species) and Graptemys.spp (Map turtles, 12 species 6 subspecies) have similar requirements to T. scripta and are starting to be found in ponds and watercourses in England. The German common name of Trachemys scripta elegans is "Rotwangen-Schmuckschildkroete“; "Gelbwangen-Schmuckschildkroete“ is the common name of Trachemys scripta scripta. Geographical range Native Range The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a native of the Mississippi Valley area of the United States. Introduced Range Red-eared sliders have established feral populations in Australia, South East and Far East Asia, Europe (there are reports from Spain, France, England, Cyprus) the Caribbean, Israel, Bahrain, Mariana Islands, Guam and South Africa. Introduction pathways to new locations Pet/aquarium trade: Since the 1970s, large numbers of red-eared sliders have been produced on turtle farms in the USA for the international pet trade. Turtles are traded as pet animals, and have been introduced to many freshwater ecosystems across Europe (Cadi et al. 2004). Local dispersal methods Intentional release: As red-eared sliders reach adulthood, many are released by their owners into natural ecosystems (Cadi et al. 2004). Management information Preventative measures: The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) has been banned from import in many countries. On December 22nd 1997, all imports of T. s. elegans into the EU was banned via Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 on the Protection of Species of Wild Fauna and Flora by Regulating Trade. Physical: The red-eared slider can be caught using a variety of methods, from floating basking traps to floating baited traps (preferred method). Observing females at nesting areas and taking the eggs must be undertaken by someone who knows the species well so as not to impact other species. The red-eared slider can be caught on a hook and line, however there may be relevant animal rights laws whereby the species, although released, are still covered by pet laws. A novel management strategy proposed is to shoot T. scripta with guns as they can be easily spotted due to their need for regular basking on land. (Bringsøe 2006). Public opinion against such methods as well as the need to hold shooting licence and permits may, however, be preventive to such eradication methods. Furthermore shooting turtles in recreational areas may well cause problems with some visitors who become emotionally attached to the turtles (Bringsøe, 2006). Nutrition Trachemys scripta is known to be an opportunistic omnivore living on a range of plant and animal foods (Ernst et al. 1994). The food preferences change with age. Juveniles are extremely carnivorous, but as they age, they eat increasing quantities of vegetable matter. In the wild, adults largely rely on various species of aquatic plants. Captives readily eat virtually all sorts of meat which may, however, cause metabolic bone diseases and other nutritional deficiencies (Bringsøe, H. 2006) Reproduction The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is oviparous, the clutch size of 3-11, consists of longish, white eggs about 2.5cm long. Hatching times are weather dependent; temperatures between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius for 55 - 80 days are preferred. If these weather conditions are not met the eggs will not hatch. The young, with a carapace length of 25 - 27mm, break through the egg shell with a caruncle (egg tooth), which disappears soon after they have hatched. Males are typically sexually active and mate during spring, but this can last to the autumn and sometimes warm periods in winter. The timing of reproductive activities of the two sexes is only fully matched during April-June. The differences of peak seasons may be ascribed to alternative male and female reproductive strategies. Autumn mating are likely to depend on sperm storage in females (Bringsøe, 2006). This species has been nominated as among 100 of the "World's Worst" invaders Reviewed by: Major update under progress Paul Pendelbury, REPTRANS UK Principal sources: Paul Pendlebury. Bringsøe, H. 2006. NOBANIS – Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet – Trachemys scripta. Compiled by: IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) To contribute information, please contact Shyama Pagad. Last Modified: Thursday, 31 May 2007