A new invasive species in Prague! Turtles come after the nutrients
Praguers already have extensive experience with invasive species. For many years, we have been able to see flocks of nutria around the banks of the Vltava and on the embankments, having fun with their offspring. At the time of the lockdowns, the coypu were also a diversification of family outings. Who was not in Prague to feed the nutria as if he were not…
Irresponsible breeders
While we are slowly getting used to red rodents with orange teeth, a new invasive animal is beginning to appear. It is a beautiful tortoise, originally from subtropical South America. These turtles appear in Czech households as pets, but unfortunately ignorant breeders are often surprised by its adult size.
Or they are given to small children who soon get bored of caring for their pets. People then resort to that he simply releases the turtle into the nearest pond. And when a few years ago, these turtles were not able to survive more in winter or reproduce, today they manage it quite well.
“Unfortunately, the warm and dry springs and autumns, which have become more frequent in recent years, testify to the turtles. Hardly anyone overlooks a turtle basking on a rock. But those clutches look harder. So, in reality, it is possible that they have already multiplied in our country, but we did not know about it. The first confirmed clutches appeared in the Hostivař area two years ago, “says Lukáš Kalous, vice-dean of the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague and also an expert on non-native species of Czech ponds. Turtles obviously thrive in ponds in Stromovka or in Drahánská rokla in Dolní Chabry.
Reckless predator
The cute turtle may seem harmless at first glance, but the opposite is true. Beautiful turtles are harsh predators and destroy everything that appears in the water. “Jthey are so aggressive and predatory that they displace the native populationand, in our country, a number of native species disappear at a relatively rocket pace every year, which is definitely a pity in terms of natural diversity. Despite the fact that they can be the cause of exotic diseases that the local animals cannot cope with, “explains Kalous.
So if you are planning to buy a cute turtle, it is good to first carefully consider whether you can really breed it. The same goes for the purchase of these pets for children. And if it happens that the turtle will have to look for another home, iIt is needed on stock exchangeswhere you will certainly find a suitable breeder who will take care of the turtle.
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Author: iStock