Red-eared slider

Why in news?

• American red-eared slider turtles, popular as pets, are threatening to invade natural water bodies across the northeast, which is home to 21 of the 29 vulnerable native Indian species of freshwater turtles and tortoises.

About the turtles:

• The red-eared slider, also known as the red-eared terrapin, red-eared slider turtle, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, and water slider turtle, is a semiaquatic turtle.
• It is the most popular pet turtle in the United States and it is the most commonly traded species of turtle in the world.
• Red-eared sliders are native to the Southern United States and northern Mexico, but have become established in other places because of pet releases, and have become an invasive species in many areas where they outcompete native species. The red-eared slider is included in the list of the world's 100 most invasive species published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
• The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) derives its name from red stripes around the part where its ears would be and from its ability to slide quickly off any surface into the water.

Prelims Question:

Consider the following statements regarding Red Slider Turtles:
1.It is endemic to Eastern Himalayan region.
2.It is critically endangered as per IUCN red list.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to Prelims question