Press release
Invasive Species Alert for Pond Slider
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
The National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has put out an alert for the invasive alien species Pond Slider (trachemys scripta). Pond Sliders were first reported in Ireland in 2003. More recently, they were identified in The Lough, Cork City and the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Pond Sliders have 3 subspecies: Red-Eared Slider, Yellow-Bellied Slider and Cumberland Slider.
These reports, accompanied by pictures, were sent to the National Biodiversity Data Centre and verified by the Herpetological Society of Ireland.
The main pathway of introduction for this species is through pet owners releasing them into the wild. Often the full adult size and life-span of the species is unknown to pet owners initially. Pond sliders are generally sold as hatchlings, they can grow to 30cm and live for up of 50 years. When the pets can no longer be cared for they are released into the wild. It should be noted that they cannot reproduce in Ireland’s climate.
While this discovery is not a cause for alarm due to the fact that the species has been long established in the country, it is a reminder to be vigilant as to not allow its further spread.
Pond Sliders are found to compete with native species for food and resources and use the nests of birds as basking sites. They are also potential carriers for diseases and parasites which can be passed on to native species and human, for example it is thought that they could be a vector of salmonella. Finally, as the species develops, it can become more omnivorous, while it mainly eats plants, it can also predate on young birds and fish, impacting our natural biodiversity.
The Office of Public Works and Cork City Council were issued Early Detection Notifications regarding the sighting of the species, alerting them of their duty to apply Rapid Eradication Measures in line with Article 17 of the EU IAS Regulation (1143/2014). Additionally, the National Parks and Wildlife Service planning to work with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the Herpetological Society of Ireland to develop a national eradication plan.
Should any further Pond Sliders be found, records of sightings, including photo if possible, can be submitted via the National Biodiversity Data Centre website or the easy to use NBDC mobile app.
For general queries or information relating to invasive alien species, email the NPWS at ias@housing.gov.ie
Further information on the Pond Slider, including identification aids and contact details for the competent authorities can be found on the Biodiversity Ireland website.