Red-Eared Slider Turtle:
The invasive red-eared slider can become a major threat to the biodiversity of water bodies across the Northeast region of India.
- The Northeast region of India is home to more than 72% of the turtle and tortoise species in the country.
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
- Habitat: U.S. and northern Mexico
- Description: The red-eared slider 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.
- This turtle is an extremely popular pet due to its small size, easy maintenance, and relatively low cost.
Concerns:
- Invasive Species: Since it is an invasive species they grow fast and virtually leave nothing for the native species to eat and have a negative impact on the areas and the species living in the areas they invade.
- Catch-22 Situation: People who keep the turtle as pets become sensitive about turtle conservation but endanger the local ecosystem, probably unknowingly, by releasing them in natural water bodies after they outgrow an aquarium, tank or pool at home.
- Impact on Human Health: They can impact human health when these species may accumulate toxins in their tissues which pass on with the food chain up to humans.
Invasive Species of India:
- An invasive species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native.
- There are many invasive species in India. For eg: Charru Mussel, Lantana bushes, Indian Bullfrog, etc.
