Flaviemys purvisi
Very Well-Known Member
Hi everyone, as you may or may not know, we're now entering into the nesting season for many species of Australia's freshwater turtles. A couple of long-necked species; The Broad-shelled turtle (Macrochelodina expansa) and the Eastern Long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) are the two species most likely to be encountered on our roads due to their nature of wandering up to 3km from their home water source to nest and lay their eggs, they do this specifically to ensure genetic diversity. I urge everyone to please be vigilant on the roads, unlike other wildlife, (cats, foxes, kangaroos, etc) turtles will not and cannot rapidly avoid motorists. They will slowly but surely soldier on a direct march whether you slow down for them or not with one thing in mind, reaching their destination and laying their precious eggs.
If you do happen to encounter a turtle crossing the road, the best thing you can do for it is pull over (safely) carefully pick the turtle up and carry it across the road (in the direction it was travelling.) Every gravid female turtle hit by a motorist at this time of the year is a tragedy for these ancient prehistoric reptiles.
These 2 turtles unfortunately weren't so lucky. This expansa could easily have been 30-40 yeas old at that size. Such a waste. She was obviously almost off the road when she was killed.
This heavily gravid ELN has unfortunately been clipped by a careless passing motorist, seriously injured she is now in the process of dumping her eggs which will perish on the hot bitumen. ELN are in serious decline in the wild and this is a real tragedy.
Please watch out for turtles.
If you do happen to encounter a turtle crossing the road, the best thing you can do for it is pull over (safely) carefully pick the turtle up and carry it across the road (in the direction it was travelling.) Every gravid female turtle hit by a motorist at this time of the year is a tragedy for these ancient prehistoric reptiles.
These 2 turtles unfortunately weren't so lucky. This expansa could easily have been 30-40 yeas old at that size. Such a waste. She was obviously almost off the road when she was killed.
This heavily gravid ELN has unfortunately been clipped by a careless passing motorist, seriously injured she is now in the process of dumping her eggs which will perish on the hot bitumen. ELN are in serious decline in the wild and this is a real tragedy.
Please watch out for turtles.
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