Red eared slider turtles are available through the pet trade and are commonly kept as pets (even Natureland has some).
Concerningly, there has been an increasing number of turtles spotted in the wild in Tasman lately. Most of these turtles stem from pet owners who have dumped their unwanted pets in a waterway without considering the ecological consequences – red eared slider turtles are considered to be one of the most invasive pest species in the world!
Red eared slider turtles have a distinctive red stripe behind each eye, with mature adults weighing around 1kg. These turtles are very well adapted to surviving here in Tasman. Their shell provides excellent protection from predators, and they can withstand a wide range of aquatic habitats and conditions.
Given their omnivorous diet, they could adversely impact aquatic plants, insects, eels, small fish species and ground-nesting birds. Turtles are long-lived and can lay up to four clutches of eggs per season.
Indications are that summer temperatures in parts of Tasman may be suitably warm enough for successful breeding to occur.
Our Regional Pest Management Plan lists these turtles as an eradication species in the wild. Please be a responsible pet owner and rehome your unwanted turtle – don’t let it loose!
If you see a red eared slider turtle around the region, please contact our Biosecurity team at biosecurity@tasman.govt.nz. Any turtles captured by the public will be re-homed where possible.