They can tolerate some brackish conditions, but long-term exposure to high salinity is not ideal and they thrive best in fresh water. Over the years, we have had reports of feral turtles seen in salt water and coastal locations.

#terrapin #invasive #turtle #wildlife #citizenscience #sea #coastal

While they often inhabit fresh water, they can be found in slightly brackish water environments (mix of salt and fresh water), such as marshes or coastal areas, but are not specialized salt-tolerant species.
#nonnative #terrapin #greenspace #invasive #turtle #pet #wildlife #research #sea #coastal

The rehoming infrastructure lacks the capacity to rehome the numbers of turtles needing this service and can lead to releases in the wild. Responsible pet ownership, think before you buy.

#pond #terrapin #greenspace #invasive #turtle #pet #reptile #citizenscience #park #nature #wildlife

When getting a new pet consider:
- Have I researched the animal and its care needs? Can I provide these?
- How long do they live for? Can I provide a home for that long?
- Can I afford to meet their needs I.e. food, lighting, heating?
- Is there veterinary care locally I.e. chelonia specialist

Being ectotherms (relying on their external environment to warm and cool themselves) this is highly effective and due to their dark pigment, they can heat up more efficiently.

#pond #nonnative #public #terrapin #greenspace #invasive #turtle #pet #reptile #citizenscience #park #ranger #conservation

3/3 It’s rare to receive reports of released/escaped #pet #turtles found in winter due to their tendency to brumate during colder periods. We can be contacted throughout the year if someone finds a turtle and needs support or guidance.

#research #citizenscience #pond

2/3 They soon realised that this wasn’t the case as the turtle started to move, sticking its legs and head out. Reina reached out to us and was able to temporarily house till someone came to collect and rehome.

#nonnativespecies #invasivespecies #turtle #terrapin #reptile #winter #garden

Thank you to Andy for continued support and submissions of sightings each year.

Report sightings to www.turtletally.co.uk

#science #walk #Education #sun #pond #nonnative #animal #public #invasive #pet #citizenscience #nature #wildlife #sailing #paddleboarding #animal #GreenSpaces

You can clearly see the ridges (keel) running along the vertebral scutes on the top of the carapace (upper shell) and the distinct contour lines across the skin like topography on a map. They often have serrated marginal scutes (around the rear outer edges of the shell).

2/2 They can settle on top, the water is warmer here, be safe away from humans and they are still somewhat camouflaged.

Report sightings of released pet turtles to: www.turtletally.co.uk

#education #canal #nonnative #public #terrapin #wildlifephotography #invasive #river #turtle #park #greenspace