1 island, 1-3 populations, 1-10km2. Distribution is believed to be restricted to ponds on the Providenciales golf course, resulting from dumped pets, although they are occasionally found at other locations in Providenciales. There exact distribution needs to be confirmed. (Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention); A small population are present in ponds in TCI. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA); Possible established on Providenciales. Hatchlings continue to be imported despite ban.
Invasive. (Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention.pdf);
They are omnivorous and very adaptable, giving them great potential for impacting native species habitats. (Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention.pdf); Where they are invasive red-eared sliders compete with native species for food, egg-laying sites, or basking places and are occasionally aggressive towards other species. Competitive interactions between T. scripta elegans and the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, an endangered species have been recorded. Pet turtles released into natural ecosystems increases the risk of parasite transmission to native species. The impacts of the red-eared slider on natural habitats and ecosystems are unknown; should the red-eared slider be released in natural habitats with high ecological value, it would be relevant to monitor any consequences on native fauna and flora, typically invertebrates, amphibians, native turtles and nesting birds. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Terrestrial|Freshwater. Native to the Eastern USA and Mexico. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
One of the most popular turtles in the pet trade which frequently get dumped into ponds and water courses when growing bigger. (Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention); Natural dispersal: may disperse up to 2 km to lay eggs. Accidental/deliberate release: As they reach adulthood, many pet sliders are released by their owners into natural ecosystems. They are a food source in Asia. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention.pdf; Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA; Pagad, S. & Wong, L.J., 2020. Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species - Turks and Caicos Islands. Version 1.2. Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). Checklist dataset. Available at: https://doi.org/10.15468/ytdnvt;