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In this section

Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Prevention: Help prevent the establishment of Red-eared slider turtles in the Sunshine Coast.

Identification and habitat

  • Distinctive broad red/orange stripe behind each eye, along with narrow, yellow stripes on the head and legs. Grows up to 30cm long.
  • Prefers still or slow-moving freshwater environments - ponds, lakes, artificial park canals and polluted waters.

Why it's a threat

  • Outcompetes native turtles: Matures faster, is more aggressive and produces up to 3 clutches (75 eggs) per season–more than double the output of native species.
  • Predates on native wildlife: Feeds on amphibians, waterbird eggs, invertebrates and small fish.
  • Hampers waterbird nesting: Occupies prime basking and nesting spots, displacing native birds.
  • Health risk: Can transmit diseases like salmonellosis to wildlife and humans.
  • Classified as a restricted invasive animal under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014.
  • Listed as a prevention species in the Sunshine Coast Biosecurity Plan–currently not established on the Coast.
  • Illegal to keep, move, feed, give away, sell or release without a permit in Queensland.

Similar native turtle species in the region

Includes:

  • Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus) –critically endangered
  • Eastern Long-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis)
  • Saw-shelled Turtle (Myuchelys latisternum)
  • Murray River Turtle (Emydura macquarii macquarii)

Protection measures (what you can do)

  1. Immediately report any sightings.
  1. Queenslanders hold a General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO): must manage biosecurity risks under their control.
  2. Seek guidance from the Biosecurity QLD website and refer to DAF Red-eared slider fact sheet.
  3. Vigilance: Monitor and report any unusual turtle sightings promply.
  4. Public awareness: Educate friends, family and neighbours about the risks of pet release.
  5. Regulation enforcement: Support Council and state biosecurity actions to prevent entry and establishment control measures.

Turtle identification

You can identify a red-eared slider turtle (above) from a native turtle by its stripes and how it moves its head. They have a large stripe behind each eye and narrow stripes on their head and legs. They pull their head directly back into their shell.

You can identify a red-eared slider turtle (above) from a native turtle by its stripes and how it moves its head. They have a large stripe behind each eye and narrow stripes on their head and legs. They pull their head directly back into their shell.

Native turtles do not have stripes. All native turtles, such as the Mary River Turtle (above), turn their neck sideways to retract their heads. (Image credit: Tiaro Landcare)

Native turtles do not have stripes. All native turtles, such as the Mary River Turtle (above), turn their neck sideways to retract their heads. (Image credit: Tiaro Landcare)