Everything you need to know about the Florida turtle

May 26, 2021

Do you know the Florida turtle? Have you found one and don't know what to do with it?

The red-eared slider is a subspecies of the aquatic turtle, originating in the waters of the Mississippi River. It is recognized by the reddish spots on its temples, hence the name "red-eared slider." Finding a red-eared slider means choosing between keeping it in captivity or returning it to a rescue center.

By reading this article, you can:

Learn some facts about this aquatic subspecies
Know why it is considered an invasive species
Knowing what to do with a Florida turtle in your possession

The Florida slider turtle was named Trachemys scripta elegans by Wied in 1839 as a subspecies of an aquatic turtle. Its importation into Europe was banned due to the ecological hazard it posed.

To keep a red-eared slider turtle in your home, you must have a certificate of aptitude. So let's continue our study on the subject below!

What species does the Florida slider turtle belong to?

The Florida slider turtle is an exotic specimen that belongs to the species named Trachemys scripta , introduced in 1792 by Thunberg. According to the IUCN conservation status, the aquatic species has been considered a least concern. It is making its mark in America, particularly in the eastern United States and northwestern Mexico.

However, it also spread very quickly to the European continent where it became naturalized. It comes in three subspecies differentiated by the coloring of the bands located at the temple. We can cite:

Trachemys scripta scripta : It was discovered in 1792 by Thunberg. It is a subspecies characterized by the presence of two yellow bands that join together.

Trachemys scripta troostii : It was discovered in 1836 by Holbrook. It is a subspecies that also has two yellow bands. However, the difference with the first subspecies lies in the bands, which are parallel.

Trachemys scripta elegans : This is the last subspecies and the most popular as a pet. Also recognizable by its red temples. It was discovered by Wied in 1839.

General characteristics of an aquatic subspecies: the case of Trachemys scripta elegans

The Florida water turtle is known under several names, namely:

Trachemys scripta elegans or Trachemys in scientific jargon.
Red-eared slider turtle or red-eared slider turtle because of the coloring of its temples.

The red-eared slider has a less domed shell like any aquatic turtle, ranging in color from green to brown. It also has a yellow plastron . As a freshwater turtle, it is found in marshes, lakes, ponds, etc.

The life expectancy of a Florida slider turtle is 30 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity. In its juvenile phase, this specimen is carnivorous and then in adulthood, becomes omnivorous. The differentiation between the male and female sex of a turtle, is done at maturity in this way:

The female Florida turtle has a rather rounded shell while the male turtle has a hollow shell.
The male turtle has a long tail , unlike the female.
The female trachemyd has short, straight claws while her counterpart has long, curved claws.

Why is this turtle considered an invasive species?

In scientific jargon, an invasive species is an exotic species that has become a harmful disruptor of a natural ecosystem. The red-eared slider turtle was sold en masse throughout Europe (particularly in France) when it was just a baby. The size of baby red-eared sliders is comparable to a coin.

Their owners, not having received additional information on how to raise their turtles , quickly found themselves annoyed. He therefore tried to get rid of them and went near a freshwater source where he released his turtle. A fatal error because once the Florida turtle is released , it acclimatizes and becomes a real ecological scourge.

The red-eared pond turtle is aggressive, shares the same habitat as the European pond turtle , and is becoming its direct competitor. The European pond turtle is threatened in its own natural habitat and is rapidly becoming an endangered species. As a result, the import of the red-eared pond turtle was banned, and was later replaced by the less harmful pelomedusa turtle.

What to do with a Florida turtle in captivity or in the wild?

The Florida slider turtle, due to massive importation, is found throughout the Mediterranean region. You may go hiking and suddenly spot this seemingly solitary reptile . You can also breed them if you have a certificate of competence .

However, it should be noted that the red-eared turtle causes salmonellosis, an intestinal disease in humans. It is therefore not recommended to buy a red-eared turtle for a child under 8 years old.

Florida's European Turtle Recovery Centers

Although this specimen is no longer imported, there are still some recalcitrants that have been abandoned in the wild . This is why there are specialized recovery centers that take in turtles found in the wild.

Likewise, if you have a Florida turtle and you can no longer accommodate it, return them to these centers. Moreover, to preserve the survival of the pond turtle , reintroduction programs have been set up. Let us take some reception centers as an example:

Languedoc-Roussillon Nature Conservatory : If you find a wild water turtle, determine its species. Then, go to the conservatory's website and provide information about the turtle and take a photograph. You can also call the conservatory directly.
The Pierrelatte crocodile farm : They have a Florida turtle recovery pool.
The Turtle Protection and Recovery Association (PRT) : Located in Switzerland, more precisely in Chavornay, it participates in programs that help save endangered species.
Sainte-Croix Wildlife Park : It created a Florida turtle recovery pool in 2005 to protect the European pond turtle. There is also a display pool for European pond turtles.

How to care for a captive Florida slider turtle?

In the past, owning a red-eared slider was easy, which is why they were imported so widely. But now they are subject to very strict regulations, and they can no longer be purchased freely. To own a red-eared slider, you must have a permit known as a " certificate of capacity ."

You can obtain this authorization from a prefecture, after having proven your ability to raise this specimen. Although the price of an aquatic turtle is lower than that of a land turtle , its equipment remains expensive.

Please note that investing in this freshwater turtle will be a long-term investment. We will provide you with some useful information about this turtle 's lifestyle . Please note that it is kept at a recovery center.

Florida turtle living in captivity in an outdoor enclosure

You can prepare an outdoor pond for your aquatic turtle , but make sure it doesn't escape. Our red-eared slider turtle is very clever, capable of digging under the fence or climbing over it to escape. Therefore, avoid wire mesh fences, which can easily be invaded.

After becoming an omnivore, an adult turtle will eat the aquatic vegetation in its tank. Therefore, it is best to only use artificial aquarium plants, which have a much longer lifespan. Add a deep area to the turtle's tank so it can hibernate.

Prepare a space large enough for your red-eared slider turtle to thrive. It should consist primarily of an aquatic area, with a smaller portion dedicated to land. Your water turtle will be able to come onto land to sunbathe .

The Florida turtle can live in captivity in an aqua-terrarium

Just like the outdoor pond, the aquarium must consist of a terrestrial part (beach) and an aquatic part. In this case, we will speak of an aqua-terrarium. A UVB lamp must be present in both the aqua-terrarium and the outdoor enclosure to diffuse daylight.

This is vitally important for Florida turtles because UVB rays synthesize vitamin D, which is necessary for their bones. The aquatic area is equipped with a filter pump to regulate impurities for good water quality.

All of these accessories can be found at a pet store. A water heater is also necessary to maintain a good body temperature. The cost of such maintenance can vary, ranging from €50 to €1,500. A red-eared slider turtle hibernates in the fall.

The Diet of a Captive Florida Slider Turtle

A young Florida slider turtle has a carnivorous diet . However, as it ages, it will shift to a more plant-based diet . Some foods are prohibited for water turtles, so check with a veterinarian.

For optimal health, your turtle requires a rich and varied diet typical of its habitat . This will help it avoid diseases caused by nutritional imbalances. During hibernation, reduce its food intake.

Be aware that a diet typical of its biotope will also provide the calcium necessary for the growth of its shell . Avoid giving them dog/cat kibble, even if it loves it (it is greedy and capricious). Also avoid pellets or food supplements.

What We Should Know About Florida Turtles

The Florida slider turtle is a subspecies of the aquatic turtle. It is also called Trachemys scripta elegans and is characterized by the presence of red spots on its temples. Native to America, its massive importation into Europe is believed to have jeopardized the existence of the European pond turtle.

A law prohibits the importation of red-eared sliders into Europe because they pose a threat to natural heritage . It has been replaced by the Pelomedusa slider, which will not be able to acclimatize if released into the wild. However, keeping a red-eared slider is possible, but it is subject to strict regulations.

You should therefore have a certificate of competence in your possession that attests to your dedication. If you find a free-roaming red-eared slider turtle in the wild, do not hesitate to contact a rescue center. Red-eared sliders are not recommended for children under 8 years old because they cause salmonella.

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