Sign In
Learn bits
Ecology & Environment
Pradeep Kumar

15/05/21 12:20 PM IST

U.S. slider turtles

In news

American turtle popular as pet is threatening to invade the natural water bodies across the Northeast, which is home to 21 of the 29 vulnerable native Indian species of freshwater turtles and tortoises.

Highlights
  • The alarm was raised after H.T. Lalremsanga and eight others from Mizoram University’s Department of Zoology published another report.
  • Their report said a red-eared slider was collected from an unnamed stream, connected to the Tlawng River, on a farm near Mizoram capital Aizawl.
  • The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) derives its name from red stripes around the part where its ears would be and from its ability to slide quickly off any surface into the water.
Issue
  • Native to the U.S. and northern Mexico, this turtle is an extremely popular pet but on the flip side they grow fast and virtually leave nothing for the native species to eat.
  • The red-eared slider has already affected States such as Karnataka and Gujarat, where it has been found in 33 natural water bodies.
Source: The Hindu

More Related Current Affairs View All

24 Dec

India’s reliance on China for critical minerals

'The Ministry of Mines in 2023 identified 30 critical minerals deemed essential for the nation’s economic development and national security.' While the report highlighted

Read More

24 Dec

The MHA reimposed restrictions in three NE States

'The  Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in the States of Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram to restrict and monitor the movement of fo

Read More

23 Dec

National Farmers' Day

'National Farmers' Day in India, also known as Kisan Divas, is celebrated annually on December 23 to commemorate the birth anniversary of India's 5th Prime Minister, Choudhary Char

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps