Turtles already nesting in new wetland habitat

Within 24 hours of a new turtle habitat being established at Springfield Wetland, a turtle was spotted sitting on the nesting box.

Members of Springfield Residents Association introduced the turtle island habitat last Thursday, October 10 as part of a citizen science project.

The concept, aimed at conserving threatened Australian freshwater turtles, was developed by the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program in association with University of Western Sydney and partner universities and agencies.

Springfield Wetland was considered highly suitable for the 1 Million Turtles citizen science project due to its location, proximity to universities and schools and community interest in the wetland.

And they were right.

Glenys Ray, advocate for the wetland and its inhabitants, said that within 24 hours of the turtle island habitat being put in place in the wetland, there was a turtle sitting on the nesting box.

“She was there for a number of extended periods during Friday but then there was great excitement when she started nesting that afternoon,” Ray said.

Eastern long-necked (Chelodina longicollis) and Murray River short neck (Emydura macquarii) turtles call Springfield Wetland home and the hope is that they will not only be able to lay their eggs, but also have a ramped platform for sunning themselves.

“Habitat destruction and predation of eggs by foxes are the two biggest threats locally which is why efforts to ensure their survival are critical,” Ray said.

A community celebration will be held in coming weeks at the wetland where the community will have an opportunity to learn about the wetland and the turtle island.

Citizen science data will be easily provided through the use of TurtleSAT via a QR code by means of a mobile phone.