Buying environmental problems: The invasive potential of imported freshwater turtles in Argentina

NORI, JAVIER; TESSAROLO, GEIZIANE ; FICETOLA, GENTILE; LOYOLA, RAFAEL; DI COLA, VALERIA; LEYNAUD, GERARDO C.

AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS

JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD

Lugar: LOndres; Año: 2016

1052-7613

1. In recent years, decision‐makers in Argentina have allowed the legal import of thousands ofspecimens of freshwater turtles. Given their invasive potential, many of the imported specieshave become established and have spread to other countries.2. The three most commonly imported species recently have been Graptemys pseudogeographica,Trachemys scripta, and Pseudemys nelsoni, all of them native to North America.3. This study assessed the invasive potential of these species in Argentina based on (i) bioclimatic envelope models, (ii) distribution of water bodies, (iii) location of the most populatedcities, (iv) comparisons between their alien and native climatic niches, and (v) the main ecological traits of those species.4. The results showed that these species are able to establish viable populations in Argentina,especially T. scripta and G. pseudogeographica. This is because the country offers a largeamount of suitable climatic space for these species, in which there are large areas with riversand other water bodies. The situation is especially problematic in freshwater ecosystems ofthe north east, as well as in the most populated portion of the country.5. A range of regulatory policies are suggested, which could help to reduce biodiversity loss andeconomic impacts in the future