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Red-eared slider turtle

Red-eared slider turtles out-compete native turtle species—some of which are already threatened. They aggressively compete for food, nesting areas and basking sites.

Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act.

In Queensland red-eared slider turtles must not be kept, moved, fed, given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit.

Description

  • one distinctive red or orange stripe behind each eye
  • narrow pale yellow stripes on head and legs
  • grows up to 30cm long
  • can retract its head directly back into shell

Further information and resources

Similar species

There are seven species/sub-species of native freshwater turtles found in our region including the endangered Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus). Native turtle species are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Turtle identification

You can identify a red-eared slider turtle (above) from a native turtle by its stripes and how it moves its head. They have a large stripe behind each eye and narrow stripes on their head and legs. They pull their head directly back into their shell.
Native turtles do not have stripes. All native turtles, such as the Mary River Turtle (above), turn their neck sideways to retract their heads. (Image credit: Tiaro Landcare)

If you see a red-eared slider turtle report it to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.