Pets or predators? climate change and invasion risk of red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elgans)

Authors

  • N. A. Aravind
     SM Sehgal Foundation Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur PO, Bangalore – 560064, Karnataka
  • Pratyush P. Mohopatra
     Zoological Survey of India, Reptilia Section, Indian Museum Campus, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700016
  • H. N. Poorna Bhat
     SM Sehgal Foundation Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur PO, Bangalore – 560064, Karnataka
  • Surya Narayanan
     SM Sehgal Foundation Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur PO, Bangalore – 560064, Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v123/i2/2023/172493

Keywords:

Climate Change, IAS, Native Biodiversity, Niche Shift, Policy

Abstract

Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the popular turtles in the pet trade worldwide and is known to be the worst invasive species in several countries. Several records of T. s. elegans exist from India, indicating its possible expansion in the natural habitat but lack a comprehensive investigation. Using the ecological niche modelling tools, we here predict the possible expansion with changing climatic scenarios and test the hypothesis of niche conservatism. Our study indicates a significant increase in the suitable areas of RES that also correlates with the high diversity regions of Indian chelonians. We also discuss the gaps in existing laws and policies in India handling exotic/invasive species and recommend policy and management suggestions.

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Published

2023-11-03

How to Cite

N. A. Aravind, Mohopatra, P. P., Bhat, H. N. P., & Narayanan, S. (2023). Pets or predators? climate change and invasion risk of red-eared slider (<I>Trachemys scripta elgans</I>). Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 123(2), 185–197. https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v123/i2/2023/172493

Issue

Volume 123, Issue 2, 2023

Section

Articles
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