Australia has roughly 25 to 30 freshwater turtle species, depending on the day’s taxonomy debates, and Ricky Spencer's work centres on these inland species found in almost every river, dam and creek.

Among the most fragile is the Bellinger River turtle, which came close to disappearing ten years ago when a virus reduced a population of more than four thousand to just sixteen survivors.

Those rescued turtles continue to breed under human care, yet the road to recovery is long.

Meanwhile, species that are still widespread are also declining.

Long-neck turtles, familiar to many Australians, have dropped by around ninety per cent over three decades despite their apparent abundance.

More Information

https://www.turtlesat.org.au/turtlesat/

https://1millionturtles.com/

Photo Credit

Dr Donald McKnight

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