Lake Ghirla project targets invasive turtle species

A scientific project has been launched at Lake Ghirla in the Varese province to address the presence of invasive pond turtles. The initiative is a collaboration between the Fondazione Lombardia per l'Ambiente and the Autorità di Bacino Lacuale Ceresio, Piano e Ghirla.

The study focuses on turtles from the Emydidae family, specifically the Trachemys genus. These species are often introduced into freshwater ecosystems through the pet trade, where animals are subsequently abandoned or released into the wild. Once established, these invasive species can compete with native fauna for resources and disrupt the delicate biological balance of lakes and wetlands.

The first phase of the project involves monitoring the entire lake basin to identify the specific species present and estimate their population numbers. This data will serve as the scientific foundation for developing future containment plans to protect local biodiversity.