Despite Hanoi’s directive to collect and destroy red-eared sliders, one of the most dangerous invasive species globally, these creatures continue to thrive at Ho Guom and the Thien Quang Well within the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam.
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According to observations by VnExpress, around 9 AM, when the sun begins to shine, red-eared sliders start to surface at Ho Guom, clinging to tree branches to bask in the sun. Some branches hanging over the lake are crowded with these turtles, with some weighing about one kilogram and the smallest no bigger than a thumb.
Some vendors in the area report that on full moon days or the first of the month, locals buy red-eared sliders for worship and then release them into the lake. Others stand along the path to Ngoc Son Temple, casting nets and catching many red-eared sliders to sell.
Red-eared sliders at Ho Guom. (Photo: The Hieu).
Having been associated with the turtles at Ho Guom for decades, Associate Professor Dr. Ha Dinh Duc stated that he captured images of red-eared sliders in Ho Guom since 2004, with earlier photos taken in 1997. “It is impossible to know how many red-eared sliders are in the lake, but compared to before, their numbers have increased dramatically. This species reproduces very quickly, much like the golden apple snail that devastates rice crops,” he remarked.
Professor Duc believes that red-eared sliders do not threaten the native turtles of Ho Guom, but they will compete for food and can easily harm smaller species living in the lake. “Once I learned about the harmful effects of red-eared sliders, I have repeatedly raised the issue, but no authorities have taken measures to prevent them,” he added.
Not only is Ho Guom affected, but the Thien Quang Well within the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam also hosts many red-eared sliders. Some tourists enjoy watching them bobbing on the water’s surface and climbing the steps of the well.
According to Mr. Dang Kim Ngoc, Director of the Cultural Science Center at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, the appearance of red-eared sliders in the well can be traced to two sources. During heavy rains in Hanoi, the Temple of Literature experiences significant flooding, allowing red-eared sliders to easily infiltrate through underground pipe systems. Additionally, occasionally tourists buy turtles for worship and then release them.
Red-eared sliders in the Thien Quang Well at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam. (Photo: The Hieu).
Although the city has directed the collection and destruction of red-eared sliders, this initiative has yet to be implemented at Ho Guom and Thien Quang Well. Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, head of the management board for the Ho Guom area, stated that authorities are present to prevent anyone from releasing red-eared sliders or fishing any species from the lake.
“To eradicate the harmful red-eared sliders completely, extensive public awareness campaigns are needed, strictly prohibiting fishing, buying, and breeding. When red-eared sliders appear in the lake, we also do not know whether to allow their existence or not. If they are to be eliminated, the government should have a policy on the exploitation of these turtles for food processing,” Mr. Tuan said.
Meanwhile, Professor Ha Dinh Duc believes that there are currently no effective measures to prevent red-eared sliders, but if the government is determined to take joint action, banning imports and trade, and educating the public about their harmful effects to discourage releases into water bodies, this issue can be better managed.
