Turtles on the move across Greater Shepparton

Eastern Long-necked Turtle laying eggs. Photo by Ed Dunens via Flickr.

Council’s RiverConnect program is kept busy this time of year, with staff working to protect any turtle nests from predators around the region. RiverConnect Project Officer, Alison White, said the team often use mesh covers to protect nesting turtles who are at risk of predators.

“There are three species of freshwater turtle who live in Greater Shepparton, the Eastern Long-Necked, Broad-Shelled and Murray River. Nesting for these turtles typically occurs around November and December, during or after a rain event,” she said.

“Turtles will travel long distances to lay their eggs and are most active early in the mornings. Unfortunately, it is known that foxes prey on about 95 per cent of freshwater turtle nests.”

Turtle nests are often very hard for humans to find, however foxes can smell the eggs when they are freshly laid and when the eggs hatch whilst in the ground. Protecting a nest immediately after the turtle has left greatly improves the babies’ chances of survival.

Tatura Turtles Volunteer, Yvette Williams, said while it was rare for humans to spot nesting turtles, it is important that community members who come across a nesting event report it.

“We record sightings on the TurtleSAT app to help researchers across Australia monitor turtle populations and we encourage residents to use this app to help with turtle protection,” she said.

“We also arrange protection of nests to ensure that the hatchlings have the best chance of surviving. Please contact the Tatura Turtles page on Facebook if you see a turtle in the Tatura area.”

If you find a nesting turtle:

If you can, guard her until she is finished laying. Some take between 15 - 30 minutes and others take over three hours. It is best to mark the location without disturbing the turtle, and then come back later to check she has completed nesting. After nesting the turtle will be tired and susceptible to predation herself, therefore if she needs assistance you can move her to the closest suitable water body for protection. Record the exact location, take a photo and contact RiverConnect on (03) 5832 9700 or [email protected] to arrange for the nest to be protected.

If you find turtle eggs:

Leave them and report the location to Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300.

If you find a turtle on a road or in danger:

Safely carry the turtle (from the top holding the front and back of the shell) in the direction it was heading to prevent it trying to re-cross the road when you have left. If there is a water body within a few metres of the turtle please move it to the water, however if water is far away just move it out of harm’s way. If the turtle appears to be dead, ill, or injured, or if you have any concerns at all, call Wildlife Victoria for rescue or advice.

If you find a hatchling turtle:

Pick the hatchling up and place it in fringing vegetation in the nearest suitable water body. Please do not take it home – it is illegal to remove native animals from the wild.

RiverConnect and Tatura Turtles use nest protection kits compiled by Tatura community members, with the support of the Fairley Leadership Program and funding from the Hugh Williamson Foundation. For more information, phone RiverConnect on (03) 5832 9700 or email [email protected]