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Red-eared slider turtle
Pest alert
If you have seen this pest
Call QPIF 13 25 23
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- Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)
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- Large specimens can inflict a painful bite
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- Distinctive red strip behind the eye
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- Red-eared slider turtles are illegal to keep in Queensland
General information
The red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a Class 1 declared pest animal in Queensland. Class 1 pests established in Queensland are subject to eradication from the state. It is a serious offence to introduce, keep or supply a Class 1 pest without a permit issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Penalties of up to $80,000 apply.
It is also an offence to release a Class 1 animal into the natural environment.
A native from the United States, the red-eared slider turtle has been nominated among 100 of the world´s worst invaders by the World Conservation Union and is considered a major threat to biodiversity. The turtle is very aggressive and will out-compete native species for food and space in our waterways.
The red-eared slider turtle has very few natural predators in Australia.
Overview
| Species name |
Trachemys scripta elegans |
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| Description |
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