Dumped pet turtles causing concern
Increasing numbers of escaped or dumped pet turtles around Northland waterways is causing concern.
Northland Regional Council Biosecurity Manager Don McKenzie says the turtles predate on nestlings of ground birds, skinks, frogs, fish and vegetation.
They are also very tricky to catch given their ability to move in and out of waterways and stay underwater for long periods.
While difficult to accurately estimate how many turtles are now in the wild in the North, McKenzie says local reports and sightings of them – especially redeared slider turtles, officially classed as one of the world’s top 100 most invasive species – have been noticeably increasing.
Over the past two years, four live turtles had been handed in to biosecurity staff in Northland, but there were likely others they don’t know about.
The duty manager at pet shop Barkleys on the River, Kayla Thompson, says the red-eared turtle can live up to 20-30 years, while others can live as long as 50 years. But those that have been dumped are likely to only live for a couple of years.
Anyone ‘‘dumping a pet turtle into the world is virtually giving it a death sentence,’’ she says.
Winter in Northland is not cold enough for them to hibernate; they stay awake and struggle to find food.
The increased number of sightings has prompted biosecurity experts to trial a new homemade trap made from swimming pool noodles, PVC piping and mesh.
The council is still testing the prototype and making minor adjustments so the trap will better suit Northland conditions.
McKenzie says turtles must be kept in a secure area at all times and if someone can no longer care for a turtle, releasing it into a nearby stream is not an acceptable – or legal – solution, with offenders risking prosecution.
Thompson agrees escaped turtles can do serious damage to the eco system. She says anyone who has a turtle they no longer want can hand them in to Barkleys. They will rehome them free of charge.