Red-eared turtles pose a major challenge to Auckland

Red-eared turtles used to be once upon a time be considered as cute pets - but, they have a lifespan of 50-years and can grow to size of a dinner plate and are believed to be one of the world's 100 most-invasive species. When they grew big, the owners used to release them in the waters. As a result, Auckland waters are now infested with these pests. Auckland is now on the brink of an "explosion" in red-eared slider turtles.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 13 December 2015.

New Zealand had imposed ban on the import of red-eared sliders in 1965, but it is legal to own and breed the reptiles. Hence, families used to buy the cute 4cm pet for children and have realized that they were stuck with a fully grown turtle and got rid of them. Red-eared sliders, which take their name from a distinctive red stripe behind each eye.
Auckland is now faced with a serious infestation of the species that had been introduced from the southern United States. The council has taken up a major pest management review and it includes re-look on existing laws and whether they need a change.
Incidentally, UK evidence shows that sliders are a threat to nesting waterbirds because they take over nests and prey on eggs and hatchlings.

(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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