Rob Gandola, Senior Science Officer at the Herpetological Society of Ireland, revealed that many of these abandoned turtles are North American freshwater species, particularly pond sliders (Trachemys), which are known to be invasive.

Pond sliders, a species included on the EU’s list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern, have been widely traded despite a ban on their import since 1997. Their trade persists, however, due to the difficulty in distinguishing them from other non-banned species, leading to many people purchasing them as babies because of their perceived cuteness. As they grow and their care needs increase, owners often abandon them.

Gandola explained that, over the last 20 years, hundreds of turtles have been dumped in Irish waterways. While the ecological impact of these non-native turtles remains unclear, the EU mandates that Ireland must control their spread. Currently, the law requires individuals to obtain a permit to keep a pond slider, but no formal system exists to enforce this.

Although the turtles are unlikely to breed successfully in Ireland due to the climate, Gandola stressed that these former pets often survive on consistent feeding until they are abandoned. To aid in controlling the population, sightings of pond sliders should be reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

The issue comes as part of a broader effort to protect biodiversity, with several local authorities receiving funding through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund to develop turtle control protocols and promote best practices in tackling invasive species.