A recent survey of two Bellingen River turtles has found one is more common than first thought yet the other is very rare, being only found in the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers.
University of Canberra researcher Professor Arthur Georges said DNA collected from the Bellinger River Elseya and the Bellinger River Emydura was analysed and compared to other populations of turtles from coastal and inland Australia.
"An important outcome of the survey is confirmation that the Bellinger River Elseya (Elseya georgesi) is found nowhere else in Australia being unique to the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers," Professor Georges said.
GEORGES’ TURTLE
Elseya georgesi
Until recently, thought to be a single undescribed species comprising both forms now known as Elseya georgesi and Elseya purvisi.
Restricted to the small Bellinger River of NSW. Feeds on fruits and insects which fall into the water, or aquatic insect larvae, molluscs and crustaceans.
(Bellinger River, NSW)
"A surprising outcome of the DNA analysis was the Emydura found in the Bellinger River is not a separate species, as previously thought, but is the same Emydura macquarii as commonly found elsewhere on the North Coast," he said.
As the Bellinger River Elseya has such a limited distribution and very specific habitat requirements the survey report will be submitted to NSW Scientific Committee for its consideration of the Elseya as a vulnerable species and listing under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
The report found that there were some unusual aspects to the genetic patterns in Emydura's DNA recommending additional study to determine if it is a long term resident of the river or a relatively recent inhabitant.
Seven of the turtles surveyed are suspected to be hybrids between the Elseya and Emydura species. This potential hybridisation needs be confirmed with further testing of the genetic material.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Brad Nesbitt said it is important that people do not release their unwanted pet turtles into the Bellinger and Kalang rivers or pick turtles off the road and move them into different catchment areas.
"If you find a turtle on the road, and it is safe to do so, the turtle can be moved to the side of the road in the direction it was travelling," Mr Nesbitt said.
The survey concluded changes in water quality and habitat greatly affect turtles in the river, recommending that recent conservation works carried out to improve water quality, riparian vegetation and reduce predation from foxes should be continued into the future.
The success of these programs funded and implemented by the NPWS, Bellinger Landcare, the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Threatened Species Network have been successful largely due to the support and ongoing involvement of local landholders and the Bellingen community.
Resources:
Bellingre River Emydura Recovery Plan pdf
Future of the Bellinger River's rare turtles looking more secure
University of Canberra researcher Professor Arthur Georges said DNA collected from the Bellinger River Elseya and the Bellinger River Emydura was analysed and compared to other populations of turtles from coastal and inland Australia.
"An important outcome of the survey is confirmation that the Bellinger River Elseya (Elseya georgesi) is found nowhere else in Australia being unique to the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers," Professor Georges said.
GEORGES’ TURTLE
Elseya georgesi
Until recently, thought to be a single undescribed species comprising both forms now known as Elseya georgesi and Elseya purvisi.
Restricted to the small Bellinger River of NSW. Feeds on fruits and insects which fall into the water, or aquatic insect larvae, molluscs and crustaceans.
(Bellinger River, NSW)
"A surprising outcome of the DNA analysis was the Emydura found in the Bellinger River is not a separate species, as previously thought, but is the same Emydura macquarii as commonly found elsewhere on the North Coast," he said.
As the Bellinger River Elseya has such a limited distribution and very specific habitat requirements the survey report will be submitted to NSW Scientific Committee for its consideration of the Elseya as a vulnerable species and listing under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
The report found that there were some unusual aspects to the genetic patterns in Emydura's DNA recommending additional study to determine if it is a long term resident of the river or a relatively recent inhabitant.
Seven of the turtles surveyed are suspected to be hybrids between the Elseya and Emydura species. This potential hybridisation needs be confirmed with further testing of the genetic material.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Brad Nesbitt said it is important that people do not release their unwanted pet turtles into the Bellinger and Kalang rivers or pick turtles off the road and move them into different catchment areas.
"If you find a turtle on the road, and it is safe to do so, the turtle can be moved to the side of the road in the direction it was travelling," Mr Nesbitt said.
The survey concluded changes in water quality and habitat greatly affect turtles in the river, recommending that recent conservation works carried out to improve water quality, riparian vegetation and reduce predation from foxes should be continued into the future.
The success of these programs funded and implemented by the NPWS, Bellinger Landcare, the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Threatened Species Network have been successful largely due to the support and ongoing involvement of local landholders and the Bellingen community.
Resources:
Bellingre River Emydura Recovery Plan pdf
Future of the Bellinger River's rare turtles looking more secure