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Titel: SUNDAY TIMES ; Lake hunt a shell shock (Jim Kelly) Bericht door: schildpaddennetcrew op 18 Juni 2008, 12:32:59 SUNDAY TIMES (Perth, Australia) 12 February 06 Lake hunt a shell shock (Jim Kelly)
Photo: The slider turtle found in Kewdale. A Foreign invader has been captured in a suburban lake. Authorities caught an exotic slider turtle in Tomato Lake, Kewdale, after stalking it for a month. The unwanted native of the southern US was reported by a local resident. Agriculture Department incident manager Win Kirkpatrick said exotic animals could spread disease and compete with native species. Most privately owned exotic reptiles were illegally imported or the offspring of smuggled animals. "Exotic reptiles should not be released into the wild," Ms Kirkpatrick said. "This could lead to the death of the animal from exposure, starvation or the introduction of new diseases or pests, which could devastate the Australian environment. Unwanted animals can be handed over to the authorities and no action will be taken." Ms Kirkpatrick said slider turtles, a popular pet overseas, were becoming a problem in Australia. The turtle was caught on Thursday after unsuccessful attempts to lure it with food. Agriculture Department staff will watch the lake for a month in case other exotic turtles are dumped there. Ms Kirkpatrick said the turtle would be checked for diseases, then offered to a zoo. http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,18114297%255E2761,00.html |