Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://biore.bio.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2004
Title: New data on the spread of Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) (Testudines: Emydidae) and its subspecies in Serbia
Authors: Urošević, Aleksandar
Popović, Miloš
Maričić, Marko
Pomorišac, Gordan
Grabovac, David
Petrović, Dragiša
Surla, Aleksandra
Medenica, Ivan
Avramović, Stefan
Golubović, Ana 
Keywords: invasive species;introductions;reproductive success;red-eared slider;expansion
Issue Date: 1-Jul-2019
Rank: M23
Project: Diversity of the amphibians and reptiles on the Balkan Peninsula: evolutionary and conservation aspects 
Evolution in Heterogeneous Environments: Adaptation Mechanisms, Biomonitoring and Conservation of Biodiversity 
16922-2
20507-B
Journal: Acta Zoologica Bulgarica
Abstract: 
This study presents an overview of localities where the alien pond slider Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in
Schoepff, 1792) (Emydidiae) and its subspecies, T. s. elegans (Wied-Neuwied, 1839), T. s. scripta (Thunberg
in Schoepff, 1792) and T. s. troostii (Holbrook, 1836), has been introduced in Serbia and shows indication of
its possible reproduction in this country. The number of the new reports of these turtles is almost equal to the
number of previously published findings. Most introductions as well as the cases of possible reproduction
(nest-digging females and hatchlings found) have been concentrated around the large urban hubs – Belgrade
and Novi Sad cities, where the largest populations have been detected. Generally, the water bodies in the
lowland habitats (less than 100 m a.s.l.) were proven to be much more vulnerable to the introduction of
alien turtles – more than 73% of cases of introduction were detected at low altitudes. Previously unreported
“substitute” subspecies (T. s. scripta and T. s. troostii) can hybridise with the red-eared slider (T. s. elegans)
and possibly increase its invasive potential. We suggest stricter enforcement of the legislation, together with
raising public awareness of the problem, eradication of the established populations and building turtle sanctuaries as an ethical and ecologically safe alternative for disposal of unwanted pets.
URI: https://biore.bio.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2004
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