Terrapin in Peckham Rye Duck Pond

[Kirsty7]

Terrapin seen swimming this afternoon in Peckham Rye Duck Pond. Has been reported to RSPCA. 

So sad that someone would abandon their pet and inconsiderate of its welfare and impact on wildlife.

[hpsaucey]

There have been terrapins in the Japanese Garden pond for years and years. Not sure, personally, about the main pond, but sure someone else will comment. Do you mean this pond or the larger 'main' pond?

HP

Edited April 18, 2023 by hpsaucey

[Kirsty7]

Hi HP, it is in the main (largest) duck pond. I have not seen terrapins in any of the ponds before so that is new to me... but surely they would be abandoned pets rather than animals that were introduced..? 

[rjsmall]

The terrapins have been there for many years. I remember looking at them sunning themselves on the rocks when my daughter was small enough to go to the infants playground and that is at least seven years ago.

[Penguin68]

They will have been initially released (by pet owners when they got too big to be kept), but I think they are feral and breeding now. This link suggests that whist at the limit of their range, they can survive and even thrive in parts of the UK, although, as I said, not being 'native' 

 https://www.terrapins.co.uk/general-information/terrapins-in-the-wild/#:~:text=Terrapins thrive in brackish water,water mixes with fresh water.

[Kirsty7]

Nevertheless it is illegal to dump terrapins in the wild. They can introduce diseases and eat wild frogspawn, dragonfly, fish and even ducklings... 

Look out! Abandoned terrapins about | The Independent | The Independent

[hpsaucey]

51 minutes ago, rjsmall said:

The terrapins have been there for many years. I remember looking at them sunning themselves on the rocks when my daughter was small enough to go to the infants playground and that is at least seven years ago.

This. First spotted several of them around 15 years ago and they were there before that.

HP

Edited April 18, 2023 by hpsaucey

[hpsaucey]

7 minutes ago, Kirsty7 said:

Nevertheless it is illegal to dump terrapins in the wild. They can introduce diseases and eat wild frogspawn, dragonfly, fish and even ducklings... 

Look out! Abandoned terrapins about | The Independent | The Independent

The park keepers used to be aware of them (assume they still are) so perhaps worth talking to them about your concerns?

[ydrmdy]

They are turtles, the aftermath of Teenage Ninja Turtles craze,  been there years and very happy, leave them be.

[ydrmdy]

[ydrmdy]

Turtle on the left, terrapin on the right..

[ArmandHelpen1]

They’ve been there at least 15 years 

[dresswaves]

 

Yes been in the pond for many years. Often see them sunbathing in the summer. This photo was taken about 5 years ago.

Edited April 21, 2023 by dresswaves

[ydrmdy]

8 minutes ago, ArmandHelpen1 said:

They’ve been there at least 15 years 

I think you are right, but does anyone agree they are turtles, not terrapins?

[Mystic Mog]

Definitely terrapins, I should know!

[Penguin68]

https://www.pbspettravel.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-terrapins-and-turtles/#:~:text=ponds and streams.-,Appearance,develop impressive claws in time.

[Earl Aelfheah]

15 hours ago, ydrmdy said:

This looks they're being pitted against each other in a fight promotion.

[Earl Aelfheah]

My money is on the turtle to win

[exdulwicher]

15 hours ago, ydrmdy said:

I think you are right, but does anyone agree they are turtles, not terrapins?

Technically, terrapins are a type of turtle...

They've been around for years. Occasionally, they've been pulled out of Dulwich Park ponds as well. No idea if they're actually breeding or if it's always just a couple of pets that have been dumped.

[Earl Aelfheah]

Terrapins have a surprisingly long life span, so may not necessarily be breeding - could just be the same ones that have been there for years.

[CPR Dave]

Yes, they definitely aren't teenage terrapins any more. Been there a long time.

[Guest]

I saw one there last week!  Here’s a photo 

 

 

Edited April 19, 2023 by alexander2022

[Guest]

On 18/04/2023 at 18:00, Kirsty7 said:

Nevertheless it is illegal to dump terrapins in the wild. They can introduce diseases and eat wild frogspawn, dragonfly, fish and even ducklings... 

Look out! Abandoned terrapins about | The Independent | The Independent

Would be nice if they could eat the pigeons instead! 

Edited April 19, 2023 by alexander2022

[Spartacus]

Cowabunga

[CPR Dave]

...or the rats.