First record of the non-native Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis Gray, 1834) from the island of Lesvos, Greece

By

Iakovidis, Dionisios
Gogolos, Nikolaos
Daftsios, Thomas

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-8-11

Original Publication

Herpetozoa

Volume

38

Pages

211--214

Subjects

Alien species , freshwater , Mediterranean , Terrapin , Testudines

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e147858

 

Abstract

The number of alien freshwater turtle records has increased in Greece in recent years. These species happen to be high in demand by the aquatic pet trade, and thus anthropogenic mediation has facilitated their dispersal beyond any natural barriers. The deleterious effects of these species on native biodiversity have long been documented. Here, we report for the first time the presence of the Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis) on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Lesvos Island has been heavily monitored in the past, revealing the presence of Trachemys scripta. Mauremys sinensis is now the second invasive species on an island, where the population of Emys orbicularis is decreasing faster than previously expected. We urge swift action to assess the population status of the newly discovered invasive species as well as the added effects it may have along with T. scripta on the two native species, Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata.