Are you wondering to know about origin of the Red Eared Slider Turtle? You have come to the right place.
Table of Contents
Introduction
One of the turtles that is kept as a pet the most frequently everywhere in the globe is the Red-Eared Slider. Yet, there are a lot of individuals who aren’t aware of the fascinating history and where this species came from. In this article, we will discuss the history of the discovery of the Red-Eared Slider Turtle, its transition from the wild to the pet trade, as well as the obstacles that currently exist in the field of conservation for this species.
The Discovery of the Red Eared Slider Turtle
A Native of the Southern United States
There is a subspecies of the pond slider turtle known as the red-eared slider turtle, which is scientifically known as Trachemys scripta elegans. Its natural range extends from the southern United States into northern Mexico, where it can be discovered living in a wide variety of aquatic environments, including lakes, streams, ponds, and reservoirs. Its origin is unknown.
French Naturalist Discovers the Red Eared Slider
A French scientist called Bernard Germain de Lacépède is credited with making the discovery of the Red-Eared Slider Turtle. During the latter part of the 1700s, Lacépède was conducting a scientific trip in North America when he first observed a Red-Eared Slider Turtle there.
A Distinctive Red Ear Marking
Lacépède was captivated by the turtle’s striking red ear marking, which also happens to be the reason why the species is called a red-earred slider. He gathered specimens of the red-eared slider turtle and brought them back to France for additional research. As a result, the red-eared slider turtle was the first North American turtle to be described by a naturalist from Europe.
From the Wild to the Pet Trade
A Popular Pet Species
The Red-Eared Slider Turtle has quickly become one of the most popular species of turtles to keep as a pet all around the world. The fact that it is simple to care for, has an appealing appearance, and is relatively compact all contribute to its widespread appeal.
A Booming Pet Trade
The trade in Red-Eared Slider Turtles for the purpose of keeping them as pets got its start in the 1950s and 1960s, when hundreds of thousands of turtles from their natural habitat were taken and shipped to Europe and Asia. This trade was mainly unregulated, which led to the deaths of numerous turtles while they were being transported or while they were being held captive.
A Conservation Concern
The trade in Red-Eared Slider Turtles for the purpose of keeping them as pets got its beginnings in the 1950s and 1960s, when hundreds of thousands of turtles were removed from their native habitat and exported to Europe and Asia.
Nowadays, the trade in these turtles generates millions of dollars annually. This trade was mostly unregulated, which resulted in the deaths of a great number of turtles either while they were being transported or while they were being held captive in captivity.
The Future of the Red Eared Slider Turtle
Conservation Efforts
The protection of habitat, the regulation of the pet trade, and the education of the general public are the three main focuses of conservation efforts for the Red-Eared Slider Turtle. In an effort to bolster wild populations, turtles that were reared in captivity are sometimes released back into their natural environments.
Responsible Pet Ownership
Being responsible owners of pets allows us to contribute to the preservation of the Red-Eared Slider Turtle, which is another species that needs our help. This involves giving our turtles the proper housing, nourishment, and veterinary care that they need, as well as ensuring that they are never let loose into the wild.
Conclusion
The Red-Eared Slider Turtle is an interesting species that has a long and eventful history as well as an essential role in conservation efforts. We can all play a part in ensuring that this species will continue to thrive for the benefit of future generations by first gaining an awareness of where it came from and the threats it faces from a conservation standpoint.
