RED EARED / US SLIDER TURTLE
- May 15, 2021
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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RED EARED / US SLIDER TURTLE
Subject : Environment
Context :The US Slider Turtle, popular as pet, is threatening to invade the natural water bodies across the Northeast which is home to 21 of the 29 vulnerable native Indian species of freshwater turtles and tortoises.
Concept :
About US Slider Turtle
- The red-eared slider (Trachemysscriptaelegans) derives its name from red stripes around the part where its ears would be and from its ability to slide quickly off any surface into the water.
- It is native to the U.S. and northern Mexico.
- It can live up to 20 years in captivity.
- The diseases such as metabolic bone disease (MBD) and vitamin A deficiency are seen in many kinds of reptiles including red eared sliders.
- It is an aquatic turtle, a strong swimmer, and in the wild, will commonly be seen basking on rocks, logs, or other surfaces above the water.
- The red-eared slider prefers marshes, ponds, and slow-moving water that supply food and basking areas.
Why US Slider Turtle is a threat to Indian native species of turtles?
- The report said a red-eared slider was collected from an unnamed stream, connected to the Tlawng River, on a farm near Mizoram capital Aizawl.
- The red-eared slider has already affected States such as Karnataka and Gujarat.
- The prevention of this invasive species from overtaking 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.
- The people who keep it as pets become sensitive about turtle conservation but endanger the local ecosystem by releasing them in natural water bodies.
- It is regarded as the most invasive species of turtles in the world.
- According to researchers, they can have a devastating impact on the aquatic life here.
- The red-eared sliders do not have any natural predators because they are an invasive species.
- They pose a threat to both native aquatic animals and plants since they are omnivores.