The Hanoi City People’s Committee on Tuesday instructed relevant authorities to draft measures to destroy all red-eared turtles that have appeared in Guom (Sword) Lake.
The surging number of the red-eared turtles (Trachemys scripta), one of the most dangerous invasive species in the world, have threatened other species in the lake.
In a document, sent out Tuesday to a number of departments, including Sciences and Technology, Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources and Environment, and Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, the Hanoi administration ordered them to report on ways to destroy the red-eared turtles before December 31.
According to VnExpress online newspaper, scientists have expressed concerns that the Sword Lake’s color will not be green any more, if the red-eared turtles eat the algae.
They are also worried that the red-eared turtles is nibbling on the Guom turtle’s soft-shell, as it clings to its back.
The Sword Lake turtle is a fresh water species, which is in high danger of extinction. Therefore it is has been listed in the Vietnam Red Book.