Another New River turtle / terrapin sighting

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sarah on August 24, 2023 at 22:57

You can report sightings to Turtle Tally https://www.turtletally.co.uk/

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hugh on August 24, 2023 at 23:26

Thanks. I’ve done that. Do you know what they use the data for?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sarah on August 25, 2023 at 4:30

Their website says this: Using the locations and information that people provide, we can see if there are correlations between urban areas and release sites, the numbers seen in one sighting and types of habitat. This is purely an observational study so we are using the data to map out locations and linking with other groups and organisations, working on research that may help conserve native fauna and flora and the terrapins themselves

I first got interested in terrapins on a yoga holiday in Morocco a few years ago. There were a couple of terrapins that would show up every day by the pool, I would give them scraps from my lunch. Strawberries were definitely a favourite of theirs.

Now I'm a bit obsessed with the terrapins in the Lordship Rec pond. I think last week I counted six of them! I would love to re-home a rescue terrapin one day.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by steve king on August 25, 2023 at 0:04

Looks like a terrapin - I've had to look after a couple (and still have scars to show for it, they bite, and are smelly too) - they became a popular "pet" after the ninja turtles fad in 1990, then they grow bigger than expected, and irresponsible owners let them into the wild and they eat the surrounding wildlife.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Laurence on August 26, 2023 at 9:55

Here's a photo taken in the same spot earlier in the year.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hugh on August 26, 2023 at 10:53

Very similar/same - except you have a better phone (or used a camera). Thanks for adding the pic. 

• ▶ Reply