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Gibster
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Joined: 07 Aug 2010
No. of posts: 1

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Posted: 07 Aug 2010 Topic: Soft-shelled Turtle on Epsom Common

Hi all,

I've just joined your forum to let somebody know that what appears to be a soft-shelled turtle was seen two days ago in the Great Pond of Epsom Common, Surrey TQ1860. The chap who sighted it used to keep Red-eared Terrapins and is familiar with soft-shells too. Unfortunately he didn't have his camera with him, the turtle was partly hauled out beside a Red-ear only twenty feet distant.

The pond already holds several Red-eared Terrapins. Apparently these are usually herbivorous in UK? My concern is that the soft-shell's appetite is more carnivorous and amphibians may be high on the menu.

The Great Pond is the main spawning ground for Common Toads in the area. Should efforts be made to remove the soft-shell (and terrapins?) and who would be best to approach if so? The site is a SSSI and Local Nature Reserve and owned/managed by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

Many thanks in advance from a reptile novice!

Gibster.

Gibster40397.7991203704

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