Work

Invasive animal species can lead to critical decline or even extinction of native animals through direct interactions or via parasites distribution. (Pimentel et al. 2005; Simberloff 2013). Among such invaders, the red-eared slider is one of the most successful species that continuing expansion to the new territories and (based on the impact on native ecosystems) is one of the hundreds the most dangerous species (САВІ, 2020). During the period between 1998 and 2002 over 23 600 000 specimens of this species were exported from their native range (the southern USA and Mexico) as pets in all around the world (Garcia-Diaz et al., 2015). New-born turtles are amazingly attractive active animals and often are desirable pets. However, growing up they require more space, often have an unpleasant smell and thus, many owners release grown turtles to the nearest water bodies. As a result, red-eared sliders started making vital populations in many countries. Hitherto, these animals are officially recorded in Europe on the territories of France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Great Britain, Latvia, Check Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria and Russia. Therefore, in the proposed project we plan the complex study of the red-eared slider with the consideration of its parasite fauna. Based on the project results, it will be possible to evaluate the potential impact of the invasive red-eared slider on the condition of natural habitats; to evaluate the vitality and origin of the red-eared slider on the territory of Ukraine; to comply with recommendations on the conservation activities.