GANGNEUNG, July 26 (Korea Bizwire) — Red-eared turtles, one of the country’s most common invasive species, have appeared in the city of Gangneung, Gangwon Province.
Residents say that the turtles are seen sunbathing along the Gyeongpo Stream on sunny days.
Red-eared turtles have a red spot on both sides of their heads. They are an invasive species that feed on native fish and are also highly reproductive.
Breeding has been curbed, and most of the turtles in the wild are abandoned pets or released as part of a religious ritual.
“Some 70 million won (US$54,720) was allocated for eliminating invasive species. However, there are no plans to drive out the red-eared turtles because their habitat is limited to the Namdae Stream, and there isn’t enough funding,” said an official at the city government.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
