Turtles
Freshwater and Sea
If you've found a turtle nest
Turtle eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to predation by a variety of animals, including foxes, birds, and other reptiles.
Predators can locate nests through scent or visual cues, leading to a significant loss of eggs and hatchlings.
By protecting freshwater turtles nests, you will become a part of an extensive network of Citizen Scientists contributing to conservation. To get involved, you will need to complete some training. Ready to get started?
Why did the turtle cross the road?
Freshwater Turtles are often seen on roads or in other unsafe places, particularly after prolonged or heavy rainfall and during peak mating season (spring and autumn).
If it is safe to do so, you can help them move away from danger.
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Safety first: Ensure your own safety before attempting to help any animal found on the road. Keep children and pets away from the turtle.​
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Only forwards: Only ever move the turtle to safety in the same direction it is already travelling. If you place a turtle on the left side of the road when it was attempting to cross to the right, it will attempt to cross again.
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Hold onto me: Turtles can bite and scratch and a towel can assist with handling. When capturing, grip both hands on the edges of the carapace (top shell) behind the front legs and in front of the hind legs. Be aware that they may still reach you with their hind claws in this position. To restrain a larger species, place hands at the back and the front of the carapace, making sure to avoid the head.
If they have a hind shell fracture or injury, hold using a towel at the back of the plastron (bottom shell) and at the top of the carapace (a).
Hold smaller species at the rear of their shell with your thumb on top (b).
A fall can lead to a damaged shell - always restrain over a table and have a firm grasp when handling. -
What's that smell? Be aware that several species of turtle have musk glands in the bridge of their shell that will emit a foul-smelling liquid as a defence mechanism. This is non-toxic.
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RESCUE ADVICE - FRESHWATER TURTLES
a
b
Common Freshwater species in the Hunter Valley
A diverse array of freshwater turtle species inhabit the region's waterways. Among the notable species found in NSW are the Eastern Long-necked Turtle, Murray River Turtle, Macquarie River Turtle and a local celebrity - the Hunter River Turtle.
Freshwater turtles face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and predation. Hunter Wildlife Rescue is committed to the conservation and welfare of these remarkable creatures through education, habitat restoration, and rescue efforts.
Hunter River Turtle
Emydura macquarii gunabarra
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The Hunter River Turtle is a distinct subspecies of the Macquarie River Turtle. Endemic to the Hunter River catchment area, this turtle is a testament to the unique biodiversity of the region. The Hunter River Turtle exhibits specific characteristics that set it apart, making it a subject of interest for both conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Macquarie Turtle
Emydura macquarii
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The Macquarie River Turtle, a subspecies of the Murray River Turtle, is uniquely adapted to the Macquarie River catchment area. Its conservation is of particular importance to ensure the preservation of its distinct genetic characteristics and ecological role in the local environment.
Eastern Snake-necked Turtle
Chelodina longicollis
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The Eastern Long-necked Turtle, with its distinctive long neck and dark, patterned carapace, is a common sight in water bodies across NSW. Known for its adaptability, this species thrives in both slow-moving rivers and ponds, showcasing its ability to coexist with human-modified environments.
INVASIVE SPECIES
Red-eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
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The Red-eared Slider is a semi-aquatic turtle species native to the southern United States. However, it has become a prominent invasive species in various parts of the world, including Australia, where it poses a significant ecological threat.
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Named for the distinctive red stripe behind each eye, the Red-eared Slider is characterized by its colorful markings and relatively small size compared to other turtle species. Due to their popularity in the pet trade, these turtles have been introduced to non-native environments, either intentionally released or escaping captivity.
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In Australia, sliders outcompete and displace native turtle species for resources, disrupt natural food chains, and potentially introduce diseases to which local fauna may not be immune. Their adaptability and ability to thrive in a variety of aquatic habitats make them particularly successful invaders.
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If you find a turtle that matches the description of a red eared slider, please document and report it to the DPI Invasive Species Hotline on 1800 680 244.
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Sea Turtles
RESCUE ADVICE - SEA TURTLES
What are you seeing? Sea Turtles breathe air, which means if you see one that cannot hold it's head up in order to breathe, it must come into care. Common Sea Turtle rescues involve beaching or floating near the water surface or edge in a weakened state.
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Call us first: Marine turtles are extremely sensitive to mishandling so the safest approach is to contact the Rescue Hotline 0418 628 483 and receive advice from the phone operator. A trained rescuer with appropriate equipment will attend.
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Keep your eyes on it: If possible, keep your eyes on the turtle. If we can't find it, we can't help it.
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What the flip? Never flip a turtle onto it's back.
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Keep it cool: Marine turtles are very sensitive to heat. Keep the turtle cool with wet towels. Do not place the turtle in water.
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Did you know?
Sea Turtles are vulnerable to injury from outboard engines, fishing nets and discarded fishing line and hooks.
Please take your rubbish with you and keep our waterways clean.
Common Sea Turtle species in the Hunter region
There are seven species of marine turtles in the world and six occur in Australian waters. Only three species of marine turtles are known to regularly occur in Sydney waters-the Green Sea Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle.
Green Sea Turtle
The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a charismatic species commonly found in the warm coastal waters of NSW.
Recognizable by its heart-shaped carapace and herbivorous diet, the Green Sea Turtle plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems.
Loggerhead Turtle
Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) are another species that frequent the waters of NSW. With a distinctive large head and powerful jaws, they are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of marine invertebrates.
NSW serves as an important nesting ground for Loggerheads, with the sandy beaches providing ideal conditions for their reproductive activities.
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Leatherback Turtle
The Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), known for its unique leathery shell, is the largest of all sea turtles.
These remarkable creatures are occasionally spotted off the coast of NSW, often venturing into deeper waters in search of their preferred prey—jellyfish.
Marine pollution kills
Take your
rubbish
with you
Marine pollution, including fishing line, hooks and netting presents a huge risk to our native marine turtles. Daiwa is on a mission to recycle 150 000 km of fishing line within the next 5 years! Recycle bins are located at HotTackle Morisset and Warners Bay.Keeping your waste fishing line out of the water will save our Lake Mac turtles as well as sea birds and other marine life, so please dispose of it wisely.