Suzie Simpson

About

PhD project: Assessing distribution, welfare and impacts of both released and captive pet terrapins in the UK
Released pet turtles are often reported by the public through citizen science platforms such as the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) and the ARG UK Record Pool here in the UK. Observations through citizen science are ever increasing due to public engagement and the effective nature of procuring information and data through this method. Through these methods, we can assess numbers and distribution to aid in future management strategies and decision-making.
The issues regarding released terrapins is a topic discussed by many conservation groups although little research has been carried out to date here. Turtle Tally UK is a citizen science project developed by Suzie in 2018 and launched in 2019 to address this need. She is project lead and carries out the ongoing monitoring and analysis of habitats and locations in relation to population density/urbanisation and numbers of individuals nationally gaining further insight into the topic. In addition, through genetic research, their bacteriology and diet can be assessed alongside parasitology. The key aims are to educate the public and pet owners, to raise awareness of responsible rehoming practices, investigate impacts to the environment and highlight welfare issues.
In August 2018, the National Centre for Reptile Welfare opened being the first and largest facility for rehoming reptiles and amphibians in the UK. Since this date, data collected at the centre shows the necessity for this type of provision, especially regarding the rehoming of freshwater turtle species including Trachemys scripta spp. The longevity of these animals, the inability of owners to house them appropriately, financial instability and landlord stipulations on housing pets’ often results in numerous submissions to the centre annually. 
In January 2016, the EU regulation (1143/2014) on Invasive Alien (Non-native) Species listed Trachemys scripta spp. prohibiting them from being kept, exchanged, sold, or bred. This combination of factors lead us to believe that through difficulties in rehoming, illegal releases continue to occur. By raising awareness, the project hopes to prevent releases, educate through the outcomes of the research and provide guidance for further management strategies and government regulation.