Re-evaluating invasive species in degraded ecosystems: a case study of red-eared slider turtles as partial ecological analogs

Abstract

Exotic species are often vilified as “bad” without consideration of the potential they have for contributing to ecological functions in degraded ecosystems. The red-eared slider turtle (RES) has been disparaged as one of the worst invasive species. Based on this review, we suggest that RES contribute some ecosystem functions in urban wetlands comparable to those provided by the native turtles they sometimes dominate or replace. While we do not advocate for releases outside their native range, or into natural environments, in this review, we examine the case for the RES to be considered potentially beneficial in heavily human-altered and degraded ecosystems where native turtles struggle or fail to persist. After reviewing the ecosystem functions RESs are known to provide, we conclude that in many modified environments the RES is a partial ecological analog to native turtles and removing them may obviate the ecological benefits they provide. We also suggest research avenues to better understand the role of RESs in heavily modified wetlands.

Turtle Biology Conservation at Taman Kili Kili Beach, Wonocoyo Village

“…Meanwhile, the correlation coefficient value for this dimension is quite high (close to 1). Thus, these two statistical parameters show that the attributes used in the infrastructure dimension are good enough to explain the sustainable status of turtle conservation (Dupuis-Desormeaux et al, 2022;Kamaludin et al, 2023). Monte Carlo analysis was carried out to see the validity and stability of the Rapfish ordination process.…”

Chelonian challenge: three alien species from North America are moving their reproductive boundaries in Central Europe

“…Data about indirect impacts of other alien chelonians in Europe, besides T. scripta, are missing completely. In addition to negative effects, it was recently argued that alien chelonians in general, and T. scripta elegans in particular, might have the potential to offer ecosystem services in degraded ecosystems which would otherwise be lacking (Dupuis-Desormeaux et al 2022). Thus, a differentiated view on alien chelonians in a range of habitats is called for.…”

“…There are also hints that native amphibian larvae recognise native freshwater chelonians as predators but not alien ones (Polo-Cavia et al 2010) so alien T. scripta might have feeding advantages. Other effects are not studied but experimental evidence suggests a key role of chelonians in ecosystem functioning, altering, for example, sediment accumulation, leaf litter decomposition rates and abundance of invertebrates (Lindsay et al 2013;Dupuis-Desormeaux et al 2022). This indicates potentially severe impacts outside their native ranges.…”

Scavenging on a Carcass of Sika Deer by Introduced Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Spring: A Case Report in the World Heritage Site of Yakushima Island, Japan

“…The effects of nonnative species vary from negative (e.g., competition with and predation of native species, damage to agriculture, forestry and fisheries, increased risk of disease and parasite infection) to positive (e.g., providing food resources to native species and promoting pollination and seed dispersal) (Goodenough 2010). In degraded anthropogenic habitats, non-native species sometimes plays important roles in maintaining ecological functions provided by declining native species (Dupuis-Desormeaux et al 2022).…”