Red-eared slider turtle
Red-eared slider turtles out-compete native turtle species—some of which are already threatened. They aggressively compete for food, nesting areas and basking sites.
Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act.
In Queensland red-eared slider turtles must not be kept, moved, fed, given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit.
Description
- one distinctive red or orange stripe behind each eye
- narrow pale yellow stripes on head and legs
- grows up to 30cm long
- can retract its head directly back into shell
Further information and resources
Similar species
There are seven species/sub-species of native freshwater turtles found in our region including the endangered Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus). Native turtle species are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Turtle identification
If you see a red-eared slider turtle report it to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.