Original story by Jon Coghill, ABC News
A conservation group says humans and livestock have destroyed the shallow nests of the vulnerable Mary River turtle on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Glenda Pickersgill from the Save Mary River Coordinating Group says the reptile is in the middle of its laying season, which lasts from October to December.
Mary River Turtle with handler. Photo: Peter Gooch, ABC
She says some turtle nests have been lost after being dug up or driven over.
“There’s a few areas where we’ve seen disturbance of sandbanks and I think that’s disappointing,” she said.
“The eggs are under the surface by only 15, 16cms, so any trampling, whether it be by humans or by driving over or even by stock, can damage the clutch of eggs that’s underneath.”
She says the Mary River turtle only lays its eggs in sandy and shady areas and it is important their nests are not disturbed.
“October through to December is the main laying period,” she said.
“It’ll take about 50 to 55 days to hatch.
“There’s a few months there where they’re really vulnerable. Unless we’ve got baby Mary River turtles coming through to replace the elderly, that’s where the whole endangered aspect can be helped.”
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