Tuesday, 03 October 2023

Turtle watch: keep our turtles safe

Local turtles are on the move and attempting to nest after recent rainfall – and you can help keep them safe.
 
City wetlands are home to a near threatened species of snake-necked turtle that are vulnerable to vehicle strikes and predators during nesting season which peaks between September and November each year.
 
If you see a freshwater turtle, or nest, you can help save them by recording your sighting, keeping your dog on a leash, staying out of garden beds, and keeping your distance.
 
Recording your sightings will track their movements and behaviour, and inform future action and strategies to help keep these vulnerable turtles and their offspring safe.
 

A reminder of what to look out for…

Intact turtle nest (hole, disturbed soil, packed down by adult female):

Intact-turtle-nest.jpg

Female turtle nesting:

Female-nesting.jpg
 
Eggs and hatchlings:
 
Egg-and-hatchlings.jpg

A turtle nest that’s been attacked by predators (likely Ravens):
 
Attacked-nest.jpg


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