- The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a turtle species Native to the U.S. and northern Mexico. Its 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, however, they grow fast and virtually leave nothing for the native species to eat.
- Consequently, this species is threatening to invade natural water bodies across the northeast, which is home to 21 of the 29 vulnerable native Indian species of freshwater turtles and tortoises.
- Between August 2018 and June 2019, herpetologists from the NGO ‘Help Earth’ found red-eared sliders in the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ugratara temple pond — both in Guwahati.
- Similarly, a red-eared slider was collected from an unnamed stream, connected to the Tlawng River, on a farm near Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl.
(Source: The Hindu)
