Wild red-eared slider turtles

The Invasive Species Specialist Group has listed the red-eared slider turtle as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. It is a medium sized freshwater turtle native to southern parts of the United States. Red-eared slider turtles are readily available in New Zealand, sold through the pet trade as juveniles around 50mm long. Red-eared slider turtles are omnivorous, long lived and tolerate a range of environmental conditions.

The impact of red-eared slider turtles in the wild in New Zealand is largely unknown, but given their omnivorous diet, they could adversely impact aquatic plants, insects, eels, small fish species and ground-nesting birds. They can survive in the wild in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including manmade drains and canals, natural wetlands, rivers, lakes, ponds and brackish estuarine waters.

Overseas, wild populations have become established predominantly by people releasing pet turtles when they outgrow their tanks and outlive their appeal. With a steady supply of red-eared slider turtles from the pet trade adding to numbers already in public hands, there is potential for them to become a serious problem in some locations. Serious consideration should be undertaken before purchasing such a long-lived animal as a pet.

Red-eared slider turtles can survive in the wild in the Waikato and there are a number of areas that have proven suitable for their reproduction. Climate change could increase the number of places that are suitable for them to breed.

If you have an unwanted pet red-eared slider turtle, DO NOT release it into the wild. Contact your local pet shop, SPCA or a turtle rescue in the hope they may be able to rehome the turtle. If you see any red-eared slider turtles in the wild, note the exact location of the sighting and report it to Waikato Regional Council. Turtles are often sighted sunning themselves on banks or stones, or swimming in still watercourses.