Acta Univ Latv (2007) 723: 37–46

First report on recording of the invasive species Trachemys scripta elegans, a potential competitor of Emys orbicularis in Latvia

Abstract

An exotic turtle invasive species Trachemys scripta elegans Seidel 2002 was imported to Latvia with commercial purposes for sale in pet-shops. Now illegal introduction has resulted in invasion of the species into the nature of Latvia. In the study, the author checked reports from Latvian local inhabitants about their observation of Trahemys scripta elegans in Latvia. In five cases single animals were observed. In one case, for the first time in Latvia a group of six adult Trahemys scripta elegans individuals was observed in Sigulda area, village Nitaure. The problems of import of the invasive species Trahemys scripta elegans to Latvia and the subsequent illegal introduction of species in nature are examined and possible measures of preventing invasion of Trahemys scripta elegans are offered in Latvia.