CITIZEN scientists of all ages gathered at Kings Billabong to learn how to identify and protect turtle nests.
Mallee Catchment Management Authority and EnviroEDU ran a school holiday program, teaching people about turtle habitats, breeding, food sources and predators.
Autumn is the prime nesting time for broad-shelled turtles, which are endangered in Victoria.
EnviroEDU’s Sarah Holmes said introduced predators like wild foxes and pigs decimate turtle nests every year, and we can do our bit to help.
“The predictions now is that foxes and pigs are the cause of 90 per cent of nests being disturbed every breeding season,” Ms Holmes said.
“With that rate of decline, so many of our freshwater turtle species will continually increase their threat status across Australia.”
The group set off on a walk through Kings Billabong, to try and locate any nests that aren’t yet protected.
Each participant learnt that if you see a female turtle laying eggs, do not disturb her.
Once she’s finished and the nest is covered, people can step in to better protect the nest, by pegging down protective wiring over the top.
“We could use either plastic or metal trellising, or chicken wire as long as the diameter of the hole is 50 millimetres,” Ms Holmes said.
“That enables the little hatchling turtles to exit the nest after they’ve been through incubation.”
Mallee CMA’s Ali Gercovich said she’s excited to see the community take on the knowledge, and to report any turtle or turtle nest sightings.
“The little ones are the up-and-coming ambassadors for the environment,” Ms Gercovich said.
“They’re the ones that are going to be coming in when we’re no longer here, so it’s really good to start that young.
“Really importantly using the TurtleSAT app, to log that data, so that it’s recognised at a state and national level.”
