Turtles In Uk Rivers: Natural Habitat Or Not?

Turtles are one of the world's oldest surviving reptile species, inhabiting seas, rivers, and lakes in various countries. While the UK does not have any native freshwater turtle species, it does have marine turtles that frequent its waters. In fact, UK waters host at least six of the world's marine turtle species, including the Kemp's Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the Leatherback Turtle, which is the largest turtle species in the world. These turtles are often spotted off the coasts of Cornwall, Devon, Wales, Scotland, and the southwest of England, particularly during their migration routes.

Freshwater turtles, on the other hand, are not native to the UK, but there have been sightings of exotic species that have been released into the wild, particularly in urban ponds and parks in warmer cities. The most common species spotted in these areas include the Red-Eared Slider and the Yellow-Bellied Slider, which were once popular pets. However, due to the cool and damp British climate, these turtles are ill-equipped to survive in the wild and are unlikely to breed successfully.

Turtles in UK waters include the leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green turtle, hawksbill and olive ridley

Marine turtles are reptiles that have existed for millions of years, playing a crucial ecological role in marine and coastal ecosystems. Six of the seven sea turtle species have been recorded in UK waters: the leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green turtle, hawksbill, and olive ridley.

The leatherback turtle (*Dermochelys coriacea*) is the only marine turtle species considered part of British fauna. It is the largest marine turtle species, with a flexible, leathery shell, growing up to 2.9 metres in length and weighing up to 916kg. Leatherbacks are unique among reptiles due to their ability to raise their body temperature above their surroundings, allowing them to survive in UK waters. They migrate to UK waters each summer to feed on jellyfish and other gelatinous plankton. Leatherbacks are regularly sighted off the UK and Irish coasts, migrating from nesting sites in the Caribbean, northern South America, and some Caribbean islands.

The loggerhead turtle (*Caretta caretta*) is commonly found stranded on UK beaches. They originate from the Caribbean, nesting on beaches in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Loggerheads have large heads and powerful jaws, enabling them to crush hard-shelled prey. They grow up to 1.5 metres in length, and juveniles between 30-50cm have been found in UK waters.

Kemp's ridley turtles (*Lepidochelys kempii*) are the smallest sea turtle species globally and are also the most endangered. They have a triangular-shaped head and a shell that is often wider than it is long. Kemp's ridleys grow up to 1 metre in length, and juveniles of 30-50cm have been spotted in UK waters.

The olive ridley turtle (*Lepidochelys olivacea*) is similar in size to Kemp's ridley, growing up to 80cm and weighing less than 50kg. Despite being the most abundant sea turtle species, it has only been recorded once in UK waters.

The green turtle (*Chelonia mydas*) is found in the coastal areas of over 140 countries worldwide. They grow up to 1.5 metres in length and have a rounded facial profile. Green turtles are herbivores, feeding on seagrasses and algae, which give their fat a greenish hue.

Hawksbills (*Eretmochelys imbricata*) are named for their narrow, pointed beaks, perfect for finding food in tight spaces. Their shells have a black tortoiseshell pattern with overlapping scales. Hawksbills are primarily found in tropical waters and are rarely seen in the UK.

In summary, while leatherbacks are the most common and considered part of British fauna, the other five species are considered vagrants, occasionally straying from their usual migration paths and ending up in UK waters or stranded on beaches.

Turtles in the UK are not native to ponds, rivers and lakes

Terrapins, tortoises and turtles are known as 'chelonians', meaning they are reptiles with shells. They are almost entirely aquatic but need dry land to bask on during sunny days. Still waters and rivers in the Midlands and southern England support the largest terrapin populations. Snapper turtles and European pond terrapins have also been spotted in UK waterways.

Turtles are not native to the UK, but they can sometimes be found in the wild. This is due to the fact that some turtles have been released into the wild by their owners. The UK's cool and damp climate means that turtles are ill-equipped to survive, and they are unlikely to breed. However, with climate change, they may start to breed.

The European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a species that occurred naturally in the UK between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago. There is a movement among rewilders to reintroduce this species to the UK and have it reclassified as a native species. This species likes natural ponds, as well as spending time on land, giving it the name 'European Pond Tortoise'.

Turtles are one of the oldest reptile species in the world and can be found in seas, rivers and lakes in various countries. They are often associated with tropical beaches and sunny, warm waters. However, they can also be found in the UK, which has a relatively chilly climate. Marine turtles are native to UK waters, but freshwater turtles are not.

The most common turtle species in the UK is the red-eared terrapin

When the pets grew to the size of a dinner plate, many owners irresponsibly released them into the wild, prompting fears for the health of local wildlife and the terrapins themselves. Red-eared terrapins are ill-equipped to survive in the cool and damp British climate. They are semi-aquatic and require dry land to bask on during sunny days.

It is unlikely that these animals are breeding in the UK, as terrapin eggs need to be incubated at 25 degrees Celsius for around 60 days to hatch. However, with climate change, they may start to breed.

Red-eared terrapins are carnivorous as babies but develop omnivorous habits as they grow into adulthood. They are generally attractive in appearance and of a friendly nature. When cared for correctly, they can live for 20 years or longer.

Turtles require a certain temperature to survive and breed

Turtles require an environmental temperature of between 24°C and 30°C to stay healthy and active. In the UK, the summer months rarely reach these temperatures, and the winter months are too cold. For this reason, turtles cannot breed in the UK. Turtle eggs need to be incubated at 25°C for around 60 days to hatch.

However, some turtles have been known to survive in the UK's urban ponds and parks, particularly in warmer cities. These turtles are often exotic species that have been released into the wild by their owners. It is important to note that releasing pet turtles into the wild is harmful to the turtles and the ecosystem.

In the UK, turtles that are spotted in fresh water are few and far between. The only marine turtle species considered a member of the British fauna is the leatherback turtle.

Turtles in the UK are sometimes found in urban ponds and parks

Turtles are not native to the UK, but they can sometimes be found in urban ponds and parks. This is because, while the UK's climate is generally too cold for turtles, the warmer cities can provide a suitable habitat for them.

Most often, the turtles found in these environments are red-eared sliders or yellow-bellied sliders, which have been released into the wild by their owners. These turtles are usually unable to breed, as the eggs need to be incubated at 25°C for around 60 days. However, with climate change, they may start to breed.

In addition to urban ponds and parks, turtles can also be found in certain freshwater locations in southern England. These turtles are typically pet turtles that have been released into the wild.

It is important to note that releasing pet turtles into the wild is not recommended, as it can disturb the ecosystem and cause harm to the turtles themselves.

Frequently asked questions