If you regularly walk past Bonchurch Pond, you may, in the past, have spotted a non-native species sunning itself at the eastern end.
Earlier this week OnTheWight reader Ben Tonner got in touch with a photo of some Terrapins at the pond and wondered whether the council were aware of their existence there.
He told OnTheWight,
“Over the past few years I’ve noticed a few Terrapins in the Bonchurch pond, usually sunbathing at the eastern end of it. They don’t seem to be harming the fish there as I saw a large shoal of this years’ carp swimming near to that end in warm shallow water.
“I’ve been wondering if anyone else has noticed the ‘Pins and maybe knows how long they’ve been there. My theory is they were dumped after the Ninja Turtle craze died out at the end of the last century and seem to have proliferated in the habitat.”
He went on to say,
“The big question is, as no one is allowed to release non-native species into UK habitats, does the Isle of Wight council (IWC) /relevant authority know of their existence?”
If you’ve wondered the same, you can now cross that question off your list. OnTheWight got in touch with the council and they are indeed aware of the Terrapins.
IWC: “No plans to take action”
An Isle of Wight Council spokesman confirmed that they were aware of the terrapins in Bonchurch pond, which had been there for some years. It is believed they may have been released into the wild having previously been pets.
He said,
“There are no plans to take action against these particular terrapins as they are not causing any particular problem, and although they are unlikely to breed in this country they will inevitably grow bigger and in due course it may be necessary to capture them and rehome them.
“Members of the public are reminded it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to release any non-native species into the wild in the UK. Anyone who is thinking of releasing unwanted pets into the wild is requested to return them to a pet shop or take them to an animal rescue centre for re-homing.”
Image: © Benjamin Tonner
