Help find SA's freshwater turtle nests

However, Riverland and Murraylands locals in SA are working to help save them, using an app to record sightings of the animals and their nests.

Information gathered on the TurtleSAT app helps ecologists to guide future management decisions to protect and enhance turtle populations through targeted activities such as fox control.

Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board has hosted events at Ramco and Hart lagoons near Waikerie and Gurra Gurra near Berri, teaching people how to identify turtle nests and upload their sightings on the app.

Retired teacher and regular Ramco and Hart lagoons visitor Karen Richardson became a participant to learn more about local native turtle species, and help with the conservation efforts.

We learnt so much information about freshwater turtles, and particularly about how to identify turtle nests. I wouldn't have known what to look for without attending this event".

"We didn't find any turtles or nests at Ramco Lagoon, but we think we may have found some turtle shell fragments".

Ms Richardson said she would use the knowledge to help record turtle and turtle nest sightings during her walks.

The events are part of the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program.

Senior project officer citizen science Sylvia Clarke said that logging sightings of turtles and nests is one of the most effective ways the community can help in the conservation of native freshwater turtles.

"Even if you look for them but don't find any, we encourage you to log this too. This way we know someone has been to look."

"Perhaps the turtles haven't nested there yet or it isn't a preferred nesting area. This is all really useful information."

The Murray River is home to three species of native freshwater turtles - the Murray River short-necked turtle, the long-necked turtle and the broad-shelled turtle.

Dr Clarke said research indicated their population had declined to a "tiny fraction" of its original size.

"This is particularly alarming when you consider the vital role turtles play as the vacuum cleaners of the river. They feed largely on carrion (dead animals) which helps to regulate water quality."

With summer being an ideal to look for turtle nests, several more community turtle survey events will be hosted by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board in 2024.

Attendance at the events is free, but registrations are essential.

Click here for information and to register.