Staff from the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) recently met with volunteers from the Australian Freshwater Turtle Conservation and Research Association to locate and record nests sites of the endangered Broad-shelled turtle at targeted sites along Gunbower Creek.

According to Melanie Tranter, Gunbower Forest project manager for the North Central CMA, the turtle is unique species as it typically lays its eggs during the Australian autumn rather than spring.  The Turtle is also the largest of the long-necked turtles, with the turtle's combined shell and extended neck measuring up to 80cm in length.

The turtles lay their eggs in the sand hills around Gunbower Creek and take up to 12 months to hatch.  They have a tough time surviving, according to Melanie; approximately 96% of eggs laid are eaten by foxes.   “If the young turtles hatch, foxes remain a major threat.  Once the young enter the water, carp become another threat to their survival.” 

During winter, the Broad-shelled turtle hibernates by burrowing into the mud on the bottom of rivers and creeks.  The turtles enter into a torpor state to hibernate, with their heart rate dropping to 2 or 3 beats a minute.  Often the turtle head is all that is visible above the water. The turtles have an extraordinary ability to extract oxygen from fresh water enabling them to remain submerged for extended periods of time.

The Australian Freshwater Turtle Conservation and Research Association is a volunteer group that works to look after all turtle species, by protecting their nests, monitoring nest temperature and tagging and researching young that hatch.

Gunbower Forest is the focus of this turtle monitoring program as a result of its status as an internationally-significant wetland. It is listed on the directory of important wetlands in Australia and is one of six Murray River icon sites through The Living Murray program.

“The North Central CMA is currently undertaking fox control measures in the area, which will hopefully assist with the survival of the turtle population,” Melanie said.

On ground works and environmental water will also contribute to enhancing populations of turtles and other fauna on Gunbower Island and creek. Works being undertaken by the North Central CMA in Gunbower Forest is funded by The Living Murray program, a joint initiative with the New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian, Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth governments, coordinated by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

If you have seen turtles breeding or would like further information on the Gunbower Forest project, visit www.nccma.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5448 7124.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au