Genetically verified record of non-indigenous turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis (Weigmann, 1835) in Central Europe

Biological invasions are among the major global causes of biodiversity loss. The pet trade is main pathway by which reptiles introduced into new environments. After EU import ban on pond slider (Trachemys scripta), other species pet-traded freshwater turtles more often reported from wild. Here we report first and genetically verified record Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) eastern part Czech Republic. genus Pelodiscus has been Republic neighbouring countries; however, only as a visual record, insufficient for identification due to complexity taxonomic status this species. We physically captured used genetic data (sequences 16S rRNA cytochrome b) confirm affiliation P. sinsensis. studied individual represents lineage sinensis that widely bred farms with native range in North Vietnam, South south-east China.