After water hyacinth, another invasive species is emerging as a serious ecological concern in Coimbatore’s tanks and wetlands. Red-eared slider turtles, native to the United States and widely spread across the world through the exotic pet trade, are now being detected in local water bodies, alarming conservationists and forest officials.
The concern resurfaced after fishermen recently caught two red-eared slider turtles from a tank within the city limits. The reptiles were later handed over to the Forest Department, prompting renewed scrutiny of the growing problem of exotic pets being released into natural ecosystems.
Abandoned Exotic Pets Fuel the Spread of Invasive Turtles
Experts say red-eared sliders enter India through exotic pet imports and are commonly sold when they are small and appear easy to maintain. Biologist P. Prasanth explained that many buyers purchase the turtles as ornamental pets, unaware of their rapid growth and long lifespan.
As the turtles grow larger and harder to manage, owners often abandon them in lakes, ponds, or park water bodies. Once released, the species breeds quickly and spreads unchecked due to the absence of natural predators. Red-eared sliders compete with native turtles for basking areas, nesting grounds, and food, while their aggressive feeding habits also impact fish populations, disrupting freshwater ecosystems.
Wildlife biologist A. Abinesh noted that the species is highly adaptable and can survive under a wide range of environmental conditions. Its ability to tolerate sub-optimal temperatures allows it to thrive far beyond its native habitat, increasing the risk of widespread invasion.
Forest Department Steps Up Monitoring and Awareness Efforts
Officials warned that weak monitoring of exotic pet trade continues to allow invasive species to enter the country. Experts stressed the importance of raising awareness among students, pet owners, traders, fishermen, and local communities about the ecological risks of releasing exotic pets into the wild.
District Forest Officer N. Jayaraj said the department conducts periodic inspections of pet shops to curb illegal trade in exotic species. Fishermen have also been instructed to report sightings of red-eared slider turtles and hand them over to authorities if accidentally caught during fishing activities.
Conservationists emphasised that early detection and removal are critical to preventing the species from establishing stable populations, which could lead to long-term damage to native biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems.