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Frogs under threat from turtle invasion: |
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RAUKeforum Member Joined: 24 Apr 2003 No. of posts: 9  View other posts by RAUKeforum |
Posted: 24 Apr 2003
Wildlife experts are warning of a threat to native British frogs and insects due to an influx of tropical terrapins. Several sightings of unusual shelled reptiles, believed to be red-eared terrapins, have been made in the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. These have sparked concerns among conservationists fearful that the web-footed creatures, which feed on small aquatic animals, will gobble up the native breeds. The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust suspect they were bought as pets during the 1980s craze for the film and cartoon characters of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and have since been abandoned when the children lost interest. Colin Studholme, head of conservation at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said: "I think they may be red-eared terrapins. "We know that this breed was quite popular and all the rage in the late 80s when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were around and parents bought them for the children. "Children got bored of them and people released them into the wild. They are surviving surprisingly well considering they are not native but usually exist in tropical climes such as Africa and Asia. "They eat frogs and insects and we would rather they were not there. If non-native species are introduced the whole set up is affected. We suggest they remain in captivity but if they do become unwanted pets they should be given to a pet shop or someone who wants one. "No-one should put them back into the wild." Story filed: 15:01 Monday 12th August 2002 |
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- Frogs under threat from turtle invasion |
