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Welcome to Turtle Tally!
UK Citizen Science Research on Released/Escaped Pet Freshwater Turtles
Thank you for stopping by our website. The project is aimed at collecting observational data, from the public, on the locations where we see terrapins in local lakes and ponds in the UK. If you spot them in a waterbody, you can submit your sighting to the survey link below. Your input is so important and working together we can collect information to understand more on this topic. We have two survey links, one for the general sightings and another specifically for anglers to complete. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions and take a look at some of our pages to learn more.
FAQs:
If we find a turtle, what should we do?
This is an observational study so there is no need to disturb, handle or remove turtles. If you remove, you are are responsible for the animal.
Is it safe to search for turtles?
We ask that all of our citizen scientists are careful around open bodies of water and supervise young children..
Can we release our pets in the wild?
No, releasing pets is against the law under Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
We have two surveys, one is aimed at general submissions and the other for anglers who have spotted turtles. Please ensure you complete the correct one below. By submitting photos, you are agreeing for them to be used to aid in publicising the project:
Summary: Capture, release and rehoming Trachemys scripta subspecies
Wild Capture
If a freshwater turtle or terrapin is accidentally captured or handled, the animal(s) can be released immediately without committing an offence. Alternatively, the animal can be taken to a veterinary practice or rehoming premises that has an appropriate licence/permit.
Rehoming
There are specific stipulations regarding the rehoming of Trachemys scripta subspecies (Red-eared sliders, Yellow-bellied sliders and Cumberland sliders). Current regulation states that there needs to be proof of ownership (prior to 2016 regulations coming into force) and that documentation is to be passed to new owners. This includes evidence of one or more of the following: receipt of purchase, transfer of ownership form from previous owner, pet insurance or veterinary documents, microchip identification number. The animal(s) cannot be sold or traded for goods in exchange. Slider terrapins should be taken to a licenced rehoming centre or sanctuary if needing to rehome otherwise. If the animal was acquired after the date listed then contact Natural England or Natural Resource Wales for guidance. For further information, please click on the link below.
Government Guidelines: Invasive Non-native (Alien) species
Turtle & chick interaction
Events
Contact us
We hope you have found everything you were looking for, if not, please do contact us. We are a volunteer-run project so please bear with us.
Thanks!
National Centre for Reptile Welfare and Hadlow College,
Tonbridge,
Kent TN11 0AN.
Collaborators and Supporters
