Invasive turtles found in Fairfield City

Published on 15 March 2019

picture of turtle

One of the world's 100 worst invasive species has been found in a Fairfield City creek recently and Council is asking for residents' help to keep them out.

The red-eared slider turtle is a major threat to native turtle populations, fish and aquatic plants and also has the potential to spread disease, which could devastate our native wildlife.

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said Council wants residents who spot the turtle to report immediately to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

"Fairfield City is known as a welcoming city and great place to live and play, but these critters are definitely not welcome," Mayor Carbone said.

"The red eared slider turtle wreaks havoc wherever it goes outside of its natural homeland in the American continent and it can take hold of new areas quickly. We need to act now."

Spotting a red-eared slider turtle:

  • Head retracts straight into its shell while native turtles fold their long necks sideways into the shell
  • Long claws compared to short claws in native turtles
  • Pale yellow stripes on faces and legs and often a red patch behind the eye compared to no facial stripes on native turtles

If you see or catch a red-eared slider turtle, take a photo if you can, record your location and report it to www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/sighting or call the NSW Invasive Plants and Animals Enquiry Line 1800 680 244 or Fairfield City Council on 9725 0222.

Tagged as:
Back to top