text/Visual Science Popularization
Brazilian Turtle is considered an invasive species in my country. If you don’t know what the Brazilian Turtle looks like, you must have seen colorful turtles everywhere on the streets and in the night markets. That’s right, that’s the Brazilian Turtle.
China's food culture is world-renowned. Since ancient times, all creatures invaded our country can satisfy the taste buds of foodies, especially crayfish, which are directly eaten in short supply. But why no one dares to eat Brazilian turtles, which are both invasive species, have become rampant and disasters? What is the reason?
What kind of species is the Brazilian turtle?
First from the name point of view, the origin of the Brazilian turtle should be Brazilian . In fact, this is not the case. Its origin is Mississippi River and Grand River basin in North America, and is called Mississippi Red-Eared Turtle by locals.
By 1987, my country introduced this type of turtle from abroad, with the most economic development, and opened breeding bases across the country. However, due to the high transportation costs and import costs, it was changed to the introduction of red-eared turtle , which was produced in , near the Mississippi River in the United States. Because the colors and appearance of the two are very similar and it is difficult to distinguish, so the Brazilian turtle is used.
It is a turtle that is very suitable for pets. It can adapt to the climate of most parts of China. More importantly, it is not picky about food, is easy to raise, and its colorful body looks very beautiful, so it is very popular among consumers.
Why are Brazilian turtles rampant in China?
With the increasing number of Brazilian turtles and the continuous development of society, its price has plummeted. From the original price of about one and a half pounds per pound, it is 200 yuan, to the current 3-pound turtle weighing only 20 to 30 yuan. Many people not only keep it for themselves, but more people choose to release animals after buying it.
The characteristic of Brazilian turtles is that they are quick to move , which can help them effectively avoid natural enemies and natural disasters, greatly reducing the risk of predation and injury.
In addition, the Brazilian turtle has a strong adaptability. As a freshwater turtle, it can live comfortably in a saltwater environment, withstand saline and alkali, and withstand severe cold.
It has almost no rivals in the wild, whether it is small fish, shrimp, insects, or aquatic plants, it can be collected into its belly, and even some small water birds, will not let go, which greatly destroys the local ecological balance.
From the perspective of reproductive ability, it only takes 6 months since the Brazilian turtle was born in adulthood. If the temperature and environment are suitable, the time will be shorter.
An adult Brazilian turtle lays eggs 3-4 times a year, and even a strong female turtle can lay 5 times, ranging from 3-16 eggs each time. After so rapid breeding, the number is more than one year.
is also an invasive species, why no one eats the Brazilian turtle?
From the appearance, the Brazilian turtle is actually very similar to the turtle , and has high nutritional and medicinal value , but the turtle has always been a "hard dish" on the table. Why is no one eating the Brazilian turtle? I have roughly summarized several reasons:
First: I dare not eat . Because turtles are a symbol of longevity in our country, killing turtles is an unlucky act. Although people nowadays are not so superstitious, the Chinese nation has been a convention for thousands of years, but they still do not know how to eat them in their subconscious mind.
: Can't afford . Although the price plummeted compared to when it was first introduced, as a food, its price is still several times more expensive than turtles, so few people choose to eat it.
Third: Not delicious . Although the growth cycle of Brazilian turtles is very fast compared to local turtles, it is much slower than turtles. This will greatly affect its meat quality. Not only is it poor in taste but not tender enough. In addition, turtle shell is generally very large, occupying most of the body, and is far worse than turtles in terms of edibleness.
Last:
It is understood that the number of new Brazilian turtles added every year is about 38 million. Affected by the invasive species Brazilian turtles, the survival of local turtles is seriously threatened.
I think it is necessary to limit the import of Brazilian turtles in China. First of all, control the quantity and give local turtles some living space and do not let them face the danger of extinction. What are your good solutions for this?
