The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has launched an investigation into whether the invasive red-eared slider turtle has established itself in West Lake at Robina, on the Gold Coast.
This follows one being caught during a recent fishing competition at Robina.
Senior Principal Biosecurity Officer for Biosecurity Queensland, Duncan Swan said officers were working with Gold Coast City Council to conduct surveillance and trapping operations.
“The red-eared slider turtle is native to America and is listed as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species,” Mr Swan said.
“They are very aggressive and once they become established, become hyper-abundant and will out-compete native species for food and space.”
Mr Swan said the establishment of new pest populations was always a risk while people continued to illegally import and keep red-eared slider turtles as pets.
“Illegally keeping exotic animals creates a serious biosecurity risk as these animals may have diseases which could decimate our native populations and even pose a risk to human health,” Mr Swan said.
“Unfortunately, red-eared slider turtles are climatically matched to areas of Queensland, and in the past 15 years, 40 red-eared slider turtles have either been seized as illegal pets or been found dumped.”
He said under the Biosecurity Act 2014, it was an offence to keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release regulated invasive animals into the environment and penalties of up to $71,875 applied.
“Anyone who suspects they have seen a red-eared slider turtle should take a photo and call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23,” Mr Swan said.
