On the status of red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied, 1838) (Testudines, Emydidae) with evidences of its reproduction in the wild, Chile

Abstract

The presence of the nonnative turtle species Trachemys scripta elegans in central southern Chile, Vichuquén and Valdivia was investigated. The methods involved information gathered from field surveys as well as interviews with local inhabitants. Field surveys confirmed the presence of T. s. elegans in both areas. In addition, embryonated eggs, juvenile, and nesting attempts, suggest that the species is well established under environmental conditions in central-southern Chile, and could perform successful reproduction in the wild. As this allochthonous turtle get there in the result of illegal introduction into nature by their owners, education of population on the dangers of releasing pet turtles into the wild are needed. Moreover, we suggest that import and trade of T. s. elegans should be for bid danced in Chile.