03. An information sign changes the way the public perceives exotic pond sliders Trachemys scripta in the Altrhein of Kehl (Germany)

Invasive pond sliders Trachemys scripta have been released in thousands of fresh waters within Europe and reproduce the southern states even warm areas Germany. All member European Union must an action plan on how to fight this invasive species. The German focusses informing public, but date no study investigated impact such actions. Instead, NGOs setting up information signs, report that has not stopped release exotic turtles provided quantitative data back up. In 2019, we put sign at Althrein Kehl, oxbow lake where for first time it had shown T. is breeding I interviewed people walking along before was again 2022. Counts still increased, mainly due increased number small turtles, while very large did increase. This suggests increase peak counts might be rather local reproduction than additional release. After set up, more responded presence problematic nature conservation animal welfare, illegal them, they should removed. response especially strong who read sign. Independent sign, most stated one into wild, bring them shelters. While here only represent single case study, showing putting signs can effective changing attitudes people. indicates investment public worthwhile, also same evaluations measures are important. National plans focus a combination removing providing keepers these animals option leave shelter instead releasing wild.