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A copy of eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) has been recently photographed in the reservoir Dam of eyes, the stretch of the Segura River passing through the town of Blanca.

This exotic species of American origin, is considered one of the most dangerous in our country for their high level of adaptation and expansion.

Ecologists in Action AHEMUR and want to draw attention to the harmful effects posed by the introduction of invasive alien species, which in this case takes place routinely in our rivers.

Introduced exotic species cause significant damage, both to native species and ecosystems, as well as sustainable economic activities.

This is the case of several species of American tortoises are bred on farms in bulk and then sold as pets at very low prices.

Most individuals die soon, because its acquisition is the result of impulse buying and thoughtless, and few people give these animals the care needed for proper housing.

But such is the number of animals sold each year (several hundred thousand nationally), that a considerable number of them are abandoned by their owners in rivers, reservoirs, ponds and lagoons.

They compete with our native species of turtles, as in our region with terrapin (Mauremys leprous), they are more aggressive, have greater reproductive capacity, broader diet and better withstand pollution and human presence, and even the excluded from the best spots of sunshine.

They can also transmit diseases and parasites to our fauna, and even are vectors of salmonella, with consequent risks to human health.

The red eared slider can be easily identified by the presence of bright red spots or yellow, depending on the different subspecies, on both sides of the head behind the eyes.

In the 90s of last century it became fashionable as a pet, and by 1997 the EU banned their import.

The uncontrolled release of copies, has allowed the creation of several wildlife breeding centers nationwide.

In Murcia their presence is increasingly common in aquatic areas, although there are no data on possible replication released.

From AHEMUR and Ecologists in Action appeal to the responsibility of consumers to avoid purchasing these, and other freshwater species.

They are living beings, not toys bought on impulse to please children.

For those who wish to dispose of specimens of these species, the most suitable option to contact with environmental authorities, for example through the Recovery Centers Wildlife or Animal Protection Societies, and never proceed for release into the wild.

The introduction of exotic species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss and also produces important public health conditions and the economy.

Although these introductions have taken place historically, is in the last two decades that have skyrocketed due to the promotion of trade, which involves the transport of goods from distant countries, the authorization of exotic species breeding in our country and the use of many of them as pets.

Ecologists in Action AHEMUR and claim to all competent authorities, both local, regional and national level, the implementation of effective measures to prevent such introductions, and for the capture and removal of those units that are located in the natural environment.

The Cabinet approved this summer the new catalog of invasive alien species, making the removal of exotic species List of invasive potential, which included a number of species causing serious environmental and socioeconomic damage, which from environmental organizations has considered a substantial decline compared to current regulations and a threat to biodiversity.

Although the catalog prohibits the acquisition and possession of red eared slider, we need to extend this prohibition to several species with invasive potential well, and quickly are introduced into the pet trade by producers, to replace prohibited species.

Finally, remember that these associations release of invasive species was considered a crime under the Criminal Code of 1995, which has led to the intervention of the environmental prosecutor, and that the Environmental Liability Act 2007 requires compensation for economic damages they cause.

Source: Ecologistas en Acción