Rescued turtles return home after NSW government cut flows to wetland
Summary
Freshwater turtles rescued from a dried-up water hole in western New South Wales are being returned after the government restored water flows to the area. Scientists also collected and incubated 281 turtle eggs to help boost the turtle population in the wild.Key Facts
- Ten broad-shelled turtles and three Murray River turtles were released back into the Gingham water hole in NSW’s Gwydir region.
- The water hole dried up after the government stopped environmental water flows following a complaint from a private landowner.
- Environmental flows are water releases from dams or rivers to keep ecosystems healthy.
- Scientists rescued 39 turtles, of which 37 were healthy and 2 were euthanized due to poor condition.
- Turtle eggs (281 in total) were collected and incubated at Taronga Zoo in Dubbo, with hatchlings expected early next year.
- The government passed legislation protecting WaterNSW from legal claims regarding environmental water deliveries.
- The Gingham water hole has been refilled, and more turtles are expected to be released later this year.
- Conservation staff view this as a successful effort to save and restore the turtle population after the crisis.
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