The turtle

The red-eared slider turtle is a species that was introduced to Europe and Asia, mainly in the 1970s. The ”baby turtles” are small in size and are often shown as dwarf turtles, but can grow up to 30 cm in adulthood. The Florida slide turtle is considered an invasive species.

Many turtles are released into the wild when they are deemed too bulky by their owners or not suitable enough for aquariums. Once in the wild, they head for ponds and streams.

These turtles are dangerous for naturally occurring species. Indeed, they are omnivorous and attack algae and aquatic plants as well as fish, insects and other amphibians. One of the reasons why the red-eared slider is considered invasive is that it has become acclimatized in several regions of Europe (France, Switzerland, Mediterranean basin) and Asia. The hot and humid climate as well as the absence of natural predators allow it to reproduce and proliferate.

The Red-eared slider poses a great threat to the European turtle: the European pond turtle, which sees its territory and the number of its prey gradually reduced.