Far from Home: Basking Behavior of the Invasive Pond Slider Trachemys scripta (Testudines: Emydidae)

Understanding the ecological behavior of invasive species is essential for assessing their impacts on native biodiversity. This study examines the basking dynamics of the invasive freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta in a Mediterranean wetland within Mesir Nature Park, Türkiye. Data were collected between March and October 2024 using camera traps, yielding 72,456 cumulative basking observations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a high degree of environmental synchronization (PC1 = 97.24%), indicating that basking activity is strictly governed by ambient thermal availability. Furthermore, Negative Binomial Regression (NBR) was employed to evaluate temporal shifts and behavioral plasticity. The basking intensity exhibited distinct seasonal transitions, characterized by afternoon peaks during the spring and autumn and an opportunistic shift toward early morning activity during the summer to mitigate thermal constraints. The peak basking duration recorded in May (696.00 ± 10.25 min) and the bimodal activity observed in summer reflect a significant adaptive capacity. These patterns suggest that Mediterranean wetlands provide optimal conditions for the persistence of Trachemys scripta. The species’ ability to effectively track environmental cues and monopolize thermal resources implies a high potential for the ecological displacement of native turtles, particularly Mauremys rivulata. This study provides critical quantitative baseline data in order to inform evidence-based management and control strategies in the Mediterranean region.