UPDATE: As warmer weather sweeps through the Hawkesbury region, local veterinarians are witnessing a dramatic rise in injured freshwater turtles, primarily the Eastern Snake-necked and Sydney Basin Short-necked Turtles. Reports confirm that many of these turtles are being struck by vehicles while attempting to cross roads during their seasonal migration, raising urgent concerns for their safety.
Dr. Michelle Dalli from the North Richmond Vet Hospital stresses the alarming trend, stating, “The Eastern Snake-necked Turtle is the wanderer of our wetlands.” These turtles embark on long journeys between dams, creeks, and ponds in search of mates and nesting sites, often leading to fatal encounters with cars.
In contrast, the Short-necked Turtles tend to remain closer to their home streams and rivers, basking on logs and nesting nearby, which reduces their risk of being hit. However, all turtle species face multiple threats, including predation from foxes and feral pigs. These invasive species are notorious for disturbing nests, consuming eggs and hatchlings, and harming fragile wetland habitats.
The impact of increased traffic, pollution, and habitat destruction is pushing turtle populations into serious decline along Australia’s eastern coast. Dr. Dalli and her dedicated team at North Richmond Vet Hospital are becoming local heroes, employing advanced shell repair techniques to treat turtles suffering from fractures caused by vehicular accidents and dog bites. “With the right care, many can make a full recovery and return to the wild,” Dr. Dalli emphasizes.
In some extraordinary cases, she has even rescued the next generation by extracting eggs from deceased female turtles, incubating them, and successfully releasing hatchlings into local waterways.
IMPORTANT ADVICE: If you see a turtle crossing the road this spring, experts urge you to assist it in the direction it was already heading. Turning the turtle around will only make it attempt the crossing again.
Turtles are crucial to maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, acting as custodians of our wetlands by helping to clean and balance these environments. November marks Turtle Month, and community members are encouraged to join the conservation effort by visiting 1MillionTurtles.com, recording sightings on TurtleSAT, and learning how to protect nesting sites.
Every small act of care can contribute to ensuring these incredible survivors continue to thrive in our waterways for generations to come. With the season underway, immediate action is crucial to protect these vulnerable species and their habitats.
