2026/06/02 by Hedi Schloddarick, Frederic Griesbaum, Melita Vamberger +1 · 1 voice
Environmental Science · #Amphibian and Reptile Biology #Isotope Analysis in Ecology #Turtle Biology and Conservation
paper · pdf · doi:10.3897/neobiota.107.178668
openalex publication_date 2026/06/02 · openalex created_date 2026/06/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/07
The introduction of non-native species has created significant global biodiversity challenges, both directly and indirectly, affecting native ecosystems and biodiversity. Since the 1930s, with a peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, human activities have facilitated the global spread of the North American pond slider ( Trachemys scripta ), which seems to be widespread in Germany, occupying numerous waterbodies. However, knowledge on other non-native chelonian species in Germany remains sparse. This study aims to assess the current diversity and distribution of non-native freshwater chelonians in Germany. Using a dataset of 1770 records of non-native terrapins in Germany, derived from the published sources and publicly available citizen-science data, we examine the distributions and their relationship to anthropogenic factors. Herein, we confirm the presence of 14 free-ranging non-native terrapin species in Germany, namely Chelydra serpentina , Chrysemys dorsalis , Chrysemys picta , Graptemys ouachitensis , Graptemys pseudogeographica , Mauremys leprosa , Mauremys reevesii , Mauremys sinensis , Pelodiscus sinensis , Pseudemys concinna , Pseudemys nelsoni , Pseudemys peninsularis , Sternotherus odoratus and Trachemys scripta and provide a comprehensive overview of their currently known distribution patterns. We also report occurrences of Emys orbicularis , which is native to Germany, but, with the exception of the Brandenburg populations, nearly all populations are allochthonous. Our study reveals that species diversity and abundance are highest in and in close proximity to urban areas, confirming a strong correlation between terrapin distribution and anthropogenic presence.