Mayo public urged to be on look-out for 'invasive' pond sliders

The National Biodiversity Data Centre has issued a nationwide invasive alien species alert for pond sliders.

The pond slider can persist locally, competing with native species for food and resources, the centre has pointed out.

It can impact on some bird species by using nests as basking sites.

There's a risk of disease and parasite transmission to native species and humans. as sliders are considered a potential vector of salmonella.

A spokesperson added: "As the species matures it become more omnivorous, they predominately eat plants but also have the ability to predate on young birds and fish.

"This could impact upon Ireland’s native biodiversity."

Pond sliders are an invasive species introduced to the wild in Ireland as early as 2003, mostly through pet owners releasing them.

Pond sliders can grow to 30cm and live for up to 50 years.

They cannot reproduce in Ireland’s climate, but pets released into the wild can compete with native species for food and resources and use the nests of birds as basking sites.