Turtles for Sale: Species Prevalence in the Pet Trade in Poland and Potential Introduction Risks

Area of Science:

• Herpetology
• Invasive Species Ecology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Growing popularity of exotic turtles as pets has led to increased release into the wild.
• Inadequate regulation of the pet trade exacerbates the introduction of non-native turtle species.
• Introduced turtles can compete for resources, transmit diseases, and disrupt native ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the availability and prevalence of problematic turtle species within the Polish pet trade.
• To identify specific species and their representation across different trade channels in Poland.

Main Methods:

• Data collection from zoological fairs, pet shops, and online platforms in Poland during 2024.
• Recorded 1001 observations of turtle species offered for sale.
• Identified 15 freshwater and 11 terrestrial turtle species.

Main Results:

• Pseudemys species (49.5%) and Mauremys reevesii (13.84%) were most frequently offered, both identified as potentially invasive.
• Prohibited species, including Trachemys scripta and Graptemys pseudogeographica, were found in 3.03% of online listings.
• A total of 26 turtle species were identified in the Polish pet trade.

Conclusions:

• The Polish pet trade presents a substantial risk for the introduction of alien turtle species into natural environments.
• Invasive turtles threaten native biodiversity, particularly the endangered European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis).
• Urgent public education and stricter legal regulations for the pet trade are crucial to prevent further spread of invasive turtles in Poland and Europe.