Abstract:Invasive mammalian predators are efficient at driving native animal declines. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) kills millions of endemic reptiles in Australia each year. In areas of south‐eastern Australia, the eastern long‐necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) and Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) have declined by more than 50%. High rates of nest predation by foxes limit the recruitment of young turtles in these populations, but previous methods of fox control have been ineffective at protecting turtle nest… Show more
“…The introduced European red fox is a devastatingly efficient predator of turtle nests. Shown here is a fox that has depredated an artificial nest (chicken eggs) as part of a study of fox behaviour and impact (see also Terry et al, 2023, this issue). Photo: James Van Dyke, Wodonga.…”
The Australian freshwater turtle fauna is dominated by species in the family Chelidae. The extant fauna comprises a series of distinct lineages, each of considerable antiquity, relicts of a more extensive and perhaps diverse fauna that existed when wetter climes prevailed. Several phylogenetically distinctive species are restricted to single, often small, drainage basins, which presents challenges for their conservation. Specific threats include water resource development, which alters the magnitude, frequency, and timing of flows and converts lentic to lotic habitat via dams and weirs, fragmentation of habitat, sedimentation, nutrification, and a reduction in the frequency and extent of floodplain flooding. Drainage of wetlands and altered land use are of particular concern for some species that are now very restricted in range and critically endangered. The introduced European red fox is a devastatingly efficient predator of turtle nests and can have a major impact on recruitment. In the north, species such as the northern snake‐necked turtle are heavily depredated by feral pigs. Other invasive animals and aquatic weeds dramatically alter freshwater habitats, with consequential impacts on freshwater turtles. Novel pathogens such as viruses have brought at least one species to the brink of extinction. Species that routinely migrate across land are impacted by structural simplification of habitat, reduction in availability of terrestrial refugia, fencing (including conservation fencing), and in some areas, by high levels of road mortality. We report on the listing process and challenges for listing freshwater turtles under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, summarize the state of knowledge relevant to listing decisions, identify the key threatening processes impacting turtles, and identify key knowledge gaps that impede the setting of priorities. We also focus on how to best incorporate First Nations Knowledge into decisions on listing and discuss opportunities to engage Indigenous communities in on‐ground work to achieve conservation outcomes.
“…The introduced European red fox is a devastatingly efficient predator of turtle nests. Shown here is a fox that has depredated an artificial nest (chicken eggs) as part of a study of fox behaviour and impact (see also Terry et al, 2023, this issue). Photo: James Van Dyke, Wodonga.…”
The Australian freshwater turtle fauna is dominated by species in the family Chelidae. The extant fauna comprises a series of distinct lineages, each of considerable antiquity, relicts of a more extensive and perhaps diverse fauna that existed when wetter climes prevailed. Several phylogenetically distinctive species are restricted to single, often small, drainage basins, which presents challenges for their conservation. Specific threats include water resource development, which alters the magnitude, frequency, and timing of flows and converts lentic to lotic habitat via dams and weirs, fragmentation of habitat, sedimentation, nutrification, and a reduction in the frequency and extent of floodplain flooding. Drainage of wetlands and altered land use are of particular concern for some species that are now very restricted in range and critically endangered. The introduced European red fox is a devastatingly efficient predator of turtle nests and can have a major impact on recruitment. In the north, species such as the northern snake‐necked turtle are heavily depredated by feral pigs. Other invasive animals and aquatic weeds dramatically alter freshwater habitats, with consequential impacts on freshwater turtles. Novel pathogens such as viruses have brought at least one species to the brink of extinction. Species that routinely migrate across land are impacted by structural simplification of habitat, reduction in availability of terrestrial refugia, fencing (including conservation fencing), and in some areas, by high levels of road mortality. We report on the listing process and challenges for listing freshwater turtles under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, summarize the state of knowledge relevant to listing decisions, identify the key threatening processes impacting turtles, and identify key knowledge gaps that impede the setting of priorities. We also focus on how to best incorporate First Nations Knowledge into decisions on listing and discuss opportunities to engage Indigenous communities in on‐ground work to achieve conservation outcomes.
“…Conservation biologists continue to refine the best approaches to counteract population declines and causes of mortality in Australian freshwater turtles. Actions include attempts to mitigate threats of feral species such as pigs and foxes through predator‐proof fencing (Cochrane, 2006; Streeting et al, 2023), nest protection measures (Campbell et al, 2020; Connell, 2018;Streeting et al, 2023; Terry et al, 2023), and artificial incubation of eggs and release of hatchlings (Streeting et al, 2022). Likewise, conservation translocations of Critically Endangered species such as reintroductions ( Myuchelys georgesi ) and assisted colonization ( Pseudemydura umbrina ) have attempted to mitigate critically low population sizes due to disease (Chessman et al, 2020) and habitat loss and degradation (Bouma et al, 2020; Kuchling et al, 2018).…”
Section: Priorities and Challenges For The Conservation Of Australian...mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Discussions on the priorities required in freshwater turtle conservation noted that science is hindered by a lack of baseline information. While research has been completed to counteract feral species as a source of mortality (Streeting et al, 2023; Terry et al, 2023), we still do not know how this mortality compares to the predation pressures that were evident prior to the decline of many medium‐sized mammals (e.g., bandicoots, quolls) which were likely nest predators (Chessman, 2022). Although Australian turtles can withstand relatively high levels of nest predation, when coupled with unnaturally high levels of adult mortality, their populations will inevitably decrease (Spencer, 2018).…”
Section: Priorities and Challenges For The Conservation Of Australian...mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…To address declines in Australian freshwater turtles and ensure their persistence for future generations, research (Chessman, Dillon, et al, 2023; Chessman, Fielder, et al, 2023; Coleman, 2023; Kidman et al, 2023; McKnight, 2023; McKnight et al, This issue; Nordberg & McKnight, 2023; Van Dyke et al, This issue) and conservation actions (Campbell et al, 2023; Streeting et al, 2023; Terry et al, 2023) are ongoing. However, compared to many other taxa, freshwater turtles have received less focus and funding in Australia (Gawne et al, 2020).…”
Australia's freshwater turtles have high endemicity and many are threatened by extinction. Following a symposium held at the 2022 conference of the Australian Society of Herpetologists, we summarized the current status of research and conservation for Australian freshwater turtles and identified opportunities for future research. Eight species (32%) of Australia's 25 native freshwater turtles are listed as threatened by Australia's Federal Government. Symposium discussions on the primary gaps in research identified the lack of baseline data to inform population modelling as a key deficiency. Knowledge of the most effective conservation actions, the effectiveness of attempts to aid population recovery, and whether these actions are required at all, remains lacking for many species. A heavy bias exists between some well‐studied species compared with others for which little or no information is published. Community science, engagement with First Nations people, advances in technology, and recognition of the importance of turtles are contributing to better knowledge.
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