Gunny’s turtles outfox predators

After a 2023 project to create safer nesting places for the turtles, latest research shows there are as many as 200 hatchlings in Longmore Lagoon, which runs off the Gunbower Creek.

North Central Catchment Management Authority project manager Amy Russell says 98 per cent of turtle eggs are taken by predators, and of those, foxes account for about 92 per cent.

That’s extinction level devastation, which is where the breeding partnership with Turtles Australia and the Ridley Corporation comes in.

Amy said by moving breeding nests off the land and onto the water, it puts them and the eggs/hatchlings out of the reach of most predators.

She said while the project was currently focused on Murray River turtles, it does have a few broad-shell and long-neck turtles involved as well.

“We are now looking to expand the project to another island in the creek system, which will also involve the Million Turtles organisation and Ridleys, to help develop the success we have enjoyed so far,” Amy explained.

“The floating turtle island sanctuaries on Longmore Lagoon provide a safe space for turtles to lay their eggs, away from the predators which decimate their population,” she said.

“These islands are the latest tool to help us turn those numbers around on the Gunbower Forest floodplain and in Gunbower Creek.

“The islands provide a safe space for the turtles to lay their eggs, make it almost impossible for foxes to steal them, and give the turtle babies easy access to the water when they hatch.”

The islands were designed by Turtles Australia, with the pontoons built by Cohuna’s G&M Poly Irrigation.

“A big thank you must also go to Ridley Gunbower. On top of hosting these islands while they were constructed, the company created a safe on-land nesting space between their mill and the creek.”

Amy said the other big plus of the project was the involvement of Gunbower Primary School children.

She said apart from helping during the building phase, students also came up with names for these newest geographical landmarks in the catchment – introducing Hatchling Harbour, Shellax Island, Big Turtle Island, Turtle House, Turtle Safe Home, Turtle Mania, and Ridley’s Turtles.

“Gunbower Primary School had a strong connection to the area, with students regularly taking part in River Detectives and Gunbower Forest Ramsar projects and events,” Amy said.

“The students love the area and are really keen to do what they can to protect the plants and animals of Gunbower Creek and Gunbower Forest, especially the turtles” she said.

“We love their enthusiasm and always enjoy their excitement.”