Latin Etymology: Trachemys ("roughness turtle") scripta ("writing")
Adult Pond Slider (subspecies T. s. elegans) at Camley Street Natural Park, London - September 2010
Weight: 240g / Length: 15-40cm
STATUS NOT EVALUATED / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
The Pond Slider is the most ubiquitous introduced reptile in the UK, found in many urban park ponds - though usually known in the UK as the Red-eared Terrapin. Originally a native of America, it became a popular pet in the early 90s after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were popular, but many specimens got released into ponds when people grew bored with them. Subsequently, they have become established in the UK from. Although other turtles and terrapins may occasionally be present, these are by far the most common you'll encounter. They are usually found in parks as opposed to more wild places in my experience.
Related Species:
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Trachemys
Subspecies: T. s. scripta, T. s. elegans, T. s. trostii
Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - Fairly common introduced species
- Seen at a few locations including Camley Street Natural Park and East Carlton Park
SINGAPORE - A feral species
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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