WELCOME RESULT FOR PROSERPINE AREA TURTLE TRAPPING SURVEY

_{03 September, 2009}

Sign Up for free e-mail updates!

Biosecurity Queensland officers found no trace of the highly invasive exotic red-eared slider turtle during turtle trapping survey of freshwater creeks in the Proserpine district.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said she was thrilled with the results of the survey but asked the community to remain vigilant.

“Biosecurity Queensland conducted the survey following a suspected sighting of the pest in the Proserpine area,” she said.

“The survey was taken in late July and while Biosecurity Queensland didn’t find any red-eared slider turtles we shouldn’t become complacent.

“The red-eared slider turtle is a native of North America and is a declared Class 1 pest in Queensland since being discovered in south-east Queensland in 2004.

“It is an aggressive, tough little critter with the invasive potential to displace native species of freshwater turtle.

Ms Jarratt said the species is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world’s 100 most invasive pest animals.

“The red-eared slider turtle is instantly recognisable, whether it is seen in captivity or the wild,” she said.

“As the name suggests, the turtle has two prominent red slashes behind each eye while our native species don’t.

“The red-eared slider turtle also has yellow stripes on the neck, legs and tail, it’s actually quite ugly.

“Thankfully less than 200 red-eared slider turtles had been trapped in the wild in the State’s south-east since 2004 and Biosecurity Queensland is determined to eradicate them.

“I also want to warn the community that it is illegal to keep, sell or release red-eared slider turtles and anyone caught faces fines of up to $80,000.

“Since 2004 Biosecurity Queensland has confiscated 26 red-eared slider turtles from captivity, including a number of breeding animals.

“Three were confiscated in August from a property at the Sunshine Coast, and people who keep or breed this pest are deliberately breaking the law.

“They have no regard at all for our native species of turtles.”

Mackay-based Biosecurity Queensland officer Corey Bell said the survey team included Bowen-based Biosecurity officer Melissa Wall and Whitsunday Regional Council pest management officer, Bren Fuller.

“Our team set specialist traps for three consecutive days at locations on Lethebrook Creek, Myrtle Creek, Paluma Creek and Gregory River,” Mr Bell said.

“The traps were baited with a combination of fish, bullock hearts and bread and all we caught were large numbers of two native turtle species.

“There were 54 Krefft’s short-necked turtle (Emydura krefftii) and 16 saw-shelled turtle (Elseya latisternum).

“We were pretty pleased to only catch natives, because the red-eared slider turtle can lay 70 eggs each year and has a lifespan of up to 40 years.

“They can adapt to a range of environmental conditions, they out-compete native species for food and space in waterways and they have few natural predators in Australia.

“There is also a serious risk that illegally imported sliders could spread diseases or parasites that could harm native fauna.

“It’s estimated about 12 million red-eared slider turtles are exported world-wide annually from the United States, and some are finding their way to Australia.”

To report a suspected sighting of the red-eared slider turtle, call the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23.

Media contact:
Jan Jarratt
4945 3343
whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au

More Media Releases