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Red-Eared Slider(Trachemys scripta elegans) Live: An American species, found as far south as northern South America and into eastern North America. They are the most popular terrapin and are bred in vast numbers for export to Europe and Japan. Unfortunately, these can grow too large (up to 30cm) for keeping inside and so are released into the wild in countries that are not their home. You will see these reptiles in waterways in New Zealand. Habitats: Freshwater Diet: Red-eared sliders are chiefly carnivorous, but the plant component of their diet increases as they age. In the Zoo they are fed mainly turtle diet from pet suppliers. Over winter they tend to hibernate. Conservation status: Common General: These are attractive reptiles, with red 'ear' stripes and black and cream body stripes. Their shells are patterned with yellow and grey to black. Their feet show their amphibious nature; claws for land travel and webbing for freshwater travel. These are neither land tortoises nor ocean turtles. Males are usually substantially smaller than females and have long claws on their front feet. They are said to have a 'courtship dance', which involves a lot of flipper-waving. If you wish to keep them, it is best to provide juveniles with an aqua-terrarium, which has a water section and a land section. The sand should be dry and sunny or must be provided with a grow-lamp (uv light) and shelter. Vitamin D3 and mineral supplements are also necessary to prevent nutritional deficiency diseases. When they grow larger they can be moved to an outdoor enclosure with the same requirements: water, dry sand, sunlight, shelter, and nutritious food. They have long claws and will climb out of enclosures with rough sides. They love sun and are very active, so they must have plenty of space. You can landscape their home to look attractive and provide for their needs. Remember that they do not stay in water all the time, so must be able to get in and out of their pond easily. If outside, they may hibernate so do not keep trying to feed them if this is the case. |