It’s nesting season for the snake-necked turtle and Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is calling for volunteers to sign up as turtle trackers, helping to protect this vulnerable species in the Margaret River (Wooditjup Bilya).
Through the turtle tracker program, volunteers are trained to monitor nesting turtles, record their activity and install protective nest guards to improve the survival of hatchlings. Register your interest and sign up to the free program HERE.
Nature Conservation’s Lauren Scanlon said the program was a unique opportunity for the community to play a hands-on role in protecting local wildlife.
Murdoch University turtle ecologist Anthony Santoro
“These turtles have been living in our waterways for millions of years, yet we still know surprisingly little about them in our river systems as a lot of the research has focused on wetlands,” Ms Scanlon said. “By becoming a turtle tracker or logging a turtle sighting, locals can make a real difference to their future in the Margaret River.”
The snake-necked turtle is one of the South-West’s most unique animals, with its long, snake-like neck, dark patterned shell and ancient lineage. As one of only a handful of freshwater turtle species in WA, it plays an important role in river ecosystems – and is well worth protecting for future generations.
Members of the community can also contribute by recording sightings via the free Turtle Sat app, which helps researchers map the distribution and nesting activity of turtles across the South West. All data collected feeds into Murdoch University’s Saving Our Snake-necked Turtle (SOSNT) project, supporting vital research and conservation outcomes across WA.
Snake-necked Turtles face a range of threats including:
- Predation by foxes, roaming cats and dogs
- Disturbance of nests from recreation activities
- Habitat change and invasive grasses such as Kikuyu, which can trap hatchlings
- The impacts of climate change on freshwater systems
Snake necked turtle
Locals are reminded not to pick up or move turtles. Turtles crossing the road can be helped by stopping your vehicle and allowing them to cross safely.
“Every sighting logged and every nest protected brings us one step closer to ensuring the survival of these special turtles,” Ms Scanlon said.
The Turtle Tracker program is funded and supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.