Wild Tortoise in Phoenix Park!!!

V Bull

Saw these three little guys today in the Phoenix Park basking in the sun.......Could they have escaped from the zoo or someone let them go in the pond, any ideas ??

I’ve seen lots of things in the Park, but this really beats all....

Half-cocked

They're Red-eared Terrapins, someones unwanted pets most likely. They've been there for a few years now. Its amazing that they have survived the last 2 very cold winters.

magicbastarder

in the 'living the wildlife' episode filmed on the dodder, they counted three species, if memory serves.

Half-cocked

I only got a really close look at one of them and it was a red-ear. If they are all different species, it removes the worry that they might breed. I'm told the climate here is too cold for their eggs to hatch, but who knows? They could have a pretty devastating impact on native pond life if they established.

I'm sure there are only the 3 individuals in that particular pond. Are there more in other ponds around Dublin?

donal7

I spotted loads of these little guys in Central Park, New York last year and was wondering how they might have got there.

TRNIALL

Was in Tymon Park on Thursday and seen 2 Sunbathing on Rocks in middle of Pond down beside the Astro pitches, Swans nesting there also.

Birdnuts

Half-cocked wrote: »

I only got a really close look at one of them and it was a red-ear. If they are all different species, it removes the worry that they might breed. I'm told the climate here is too cold for their eggs to hatch, but who knows? ?

And I assume this species can live for many decades like other Tortosies!!

man.about.town

thats very cool, which pond are they in?

the two main ponds i can think of are furry glen and the peoples garden?

Half-cocked

I think it's called the Quarry Pond. On the left as you head for the furry glen.

V Bull

Half-cocked wrote: »

I only got a really close look at one of them and it was a red-ear. If they are all different species, it removes the worry that they might breed.....

I'm sure there are only the 3 individuals in that particular pond.

Hi Half-cocked, here is a closer look at two of them, they look alike!! Can anyone tell their gender from this pic? Couldnt get the angle on the other guy for a better snap...

good logs...

best way to sex them is to hold them to your ear a shake them a little bit......................

good logs...

good logs... wrote: »

best way to sex them is to hold them to your ear a shake them a little bit......................

you will hear the balls rattle:D:D:D:D:D:D

Half-cocked

V Bull wrote: »

Hi Half-cocked, here is a closer look at two of them, they look alike!! Can anyone tell their gender from this pic? Couldnt get the angle on the other guy for a better snap...

Both red-eared. No way to sex them from the pic, you'd need to catch them.

Cookie_Monster

why aren't they collected / destroyed as a foreign invasive species?

Half-cocked

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

why aren't they collected / destroyed as a foreign invasive species?

Maybe because they can't breed here? Possibly not seen as a threat because they won't establish. Or more likely the NPWS couldn't be bothered....;)

positron

Apologies for bumping what is an old thread, but I want to ask a quick question in this context.

If these torts can survive in the wild on their on, why can they not do just as well in a walled garden with some grass and water - that is, without a vivarium and seasonal handling by us?

dodderangler

positron wrote: »

Apologies for bumping what is an old thread, but I want to ask a quick question in this context.

If these torts can survive in the wild on their on, why can they not do just as well in a walled garden with some grass and water - that is, without a vivarium and seasonal handling by us?

Cats foxes and even herons will drop in and take them.

There is loads of these lads down on the dodder

anthonyos

Half-cocked wrote: »

Maybe because they can't breed here? Possibly not seen as a threat because they won't establish. Or more likely the NPWS couldn't be bothered....;)

they must be breeding if they there are loads around they all cant be released pets