Red-eared Slider Turtle
About the Species
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Type: Semi-aquatic freshwater turtle
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Name Origin: Called “slider” due to its behavior of quickly sliding off basking spots into water when startled
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Native Range: Southeastern USA and Mexico
Key Features
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Coloration: Prominent red/orange stripe behind each eye; yellow stripes on body, neck, limbs
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Claws: Long, prominent claws; males have longer claws than females
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Head Retraction: Retracts head straight back (unlike native Indian turtles that tuck sideways)
Habitat Tolerance
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Can thrive in:
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Freshwater ponds, lakes, streams
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Brackish coastal wetlands and estuaries
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Polluted water bodies with high organic/inorganic pollutants
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Conservation Status
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IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
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CITES / WPA 1972 (India): Not listed
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Other: Declared a controlled pest animal under Victoria’s Catchment and Land Protection Act, Australia
Concerns in India
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Invasive Species: Rapidly spreading in urban wetlands (e.g., Sukhna Lake, Yamuna River)
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Threat to Biodiversity:
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Competes with native turtle species for food & space
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High reproduction rate and aggressive nature
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Spreads pathogens and disrupts native aquatic ecosystems
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Status: Listed among the world’s Top 100 Invasive Species (IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group)
Policy & Action Needed
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Stricter pet import and trade regulation
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Public awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership
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Relocation strategies (e.g., to zoological parks or controlled environments)
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Monitoring & research on native turtle populations and invasive impact
