Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 11252632

1. Conservation actions

Our goal is to increase the survival chances of this endangered freshwater river turtle. Nesting banks are fenced to reduce trampling of wild laid clutches from grazing cattle and reduce wild dog and fox access to turtle eggs. 

During the nesting season, Project Officers visit the nesting banks in search of freshly laid clutches. Once there is positive confirmation of the eggs, the clutch is individually protected to reduce predation by wild dogs, foxes and monitor lizards. 

At the end of the season, data is collected of hatching successes. 

96 clutches were monitored during the 2011/12 nesting season on 12 nesting banks. 585 embryos are known to have successfully hatched. 

 

2. Support research

Through the sale of locally made chocolate turtles, Tiaro Landcare funds a support scholarship for a PhD candidate. The current scholarship holder, Ms Mariana Campbell won the Best Student Presentation at the Turtle Survival Alliance symposium in Orlando, Florida. Her research has shown that the females return to the same bank each year to nest. A valuable partnership has been established between Tiaro Landcare Group and the University of Queensland. 

 

3. Promote the Mary River turtle & its habitat

A DVD, Sharing Mary, a long fat turtle tale was produced through a small grant from the Fraser Coast Regional Council and voluntary contributions from the videographer, scriptwriter and others. Static displays were held at various local events. The Mary River turtle received Australia wide coverage through a documentary, Two on the Great Divide" which was broadcast on ABC TV. Tiaro Landcare members were pleased to be involved with the filming of the segment on the Mary River turtle. 

 

More information is available on the web:www.maryriverturtle.com

Or visit the facebook page and 'Like' it: Mary River turtle project - Tiaro Landcare