Open AccessSuccessful reproduction of Trachemys scripta in the Altrhein of Kehl (Germany) and simultaneous increase in population estimate
Author(s) -
Carsten Schradin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
herpetological bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.303
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2634-1387
pISSN - 1473-0928
DOI - 10.33256/hb154.17
Subject(s) - hatchling , population , reproduction , action plan , biology , european union , zoology , geography , ecology , demography , sociology , economic policy , hatching , business
The European Union categorises pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) as invasive species for which all member countries have to develop an action plan. To date it has been assumed that the climate in Germany is too cold for T. scripta to survive or reproduce. Data collected annually from 2016 to 2020 show that the population of exotic pond turtles in an oxbow lake (Althrein of Kehl, Germany) did not decrease but increased. In addition, the diversity of species released was found to be high, five other exotic species in addition to T. scripta were observed. The population of T. scripta in particular appears to be increasing, with no indication of high mortality due to cold winters and apparently regular successful reproduction (hatchlingsobserved in four out of five study years and caught in two years). The current action plan in Germany for T. scripta will have to change if potential negative impacts are to be avoided. Other west and central European countries might also have to modify their action plans accordingly.