Fears Slider Turtles Will Breed

[mrmoshe]

QUEENSLANDERS have been urged to be on the lookout for red-eared slider turtles (REST) this Spring, with the exotic pests expected to breed rapidly throughout the state's waterways.

Red-eared slider turtles were illegally imported into Australia as aquarium pets in the 1960s and 70s and some were released into the wild.

Queensland's Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) has declared the turtle a class one pest and is conducting a program to eradicate the species from the state.

NRW's REST project manager Scott O'Keeffe said the turtles were aggressive and had a potential to multiply rapidly and spread quickly throughout waterways.

“REST have no known predators and are incredibly tough, with an adult capable of inflicting a nasty bite,” Mr O'Keeffe said.

“A fully grown female can lay up to 70 eggs per year. They could eventually displace native turtles in our creeks and rivers.”

Red-eared slider turtles have a distinctive red stripe behind each eye.

The undersides are pale yellow with dark smudges. Males have very long, narrow claws.

Sliders withdraw their heads straight back into their shells, whereas native turtles fold their head in on the side.

Anyone who spots the pest should report it to NRW's slider turtle hotline on 1800 999 367.