A Record and Distribution of Exotic Species Trachemys scripta in the Streams Of Canakkale (Turkey)

Abstract

The introduction of many exotic animal species to environments which are not natural for them with the curiosity of human beings about animal species and the gradual acceleration of both transport among countries and intercontinental transport further threatens the natural communities. In order to investigate the distribution of exotic turtle species Trachemys scripta in Canakkale, field studies were carried out between March and June 2014. Direct observation, detection of species by photographs and capturing by scoop nets and trap-nets were performed during the fieldwork. Trachemys scripta (the red-eared slider) was first recorded in Saricay stream, the Kepez, Kocabas and the Kavak tributaries, in the Canakkale province. It might be stated that this species arrived in the areas where it was detected through antropochore dispersal and may pose a threat to the natural species in the future.

Keywords

• exotic species
• trachemys scripta
• freshwater ecosystems
• canakkale