The National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has put out an alert for Pond Sliders (trachemys scripta), an invasive alien species 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 three subspecies: Red-Eared Slider, Yellow-Bellied Slider and Cumberland Slider.
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 to 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 humans. 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.
Should any further Pond Sliders be found, records of sightings, including photographs if possible, can be submitted via the National Biodiversity Data Centre website or the NBDC mobile app.