Should Trachemys scripta spp. be kept outdoors in UK

Sliders of Trachemys scripta spp. are considered invasive in UK. As a result, former pets cannot be sold or rehomed other than to a rescue. Unfortunately, the majority of rescues cannot take them in. The aim of this report is to assess their suitability to be kept in contained, outdoor enclosures in UK. In order to achieve this, data was collected from a UK pond in which temperature, UV exposure and number of sunlight hours were measured. This data was accompanied by an in-depth literature review investigating their range, behaviour and biology, to assess whether these conditions might be appropriate for housing the animals. This report summarises the findings and provides comprehensive care recommendations on the suitability of UK outdoor enclosures for housing these animals.