Turtle conservation – sign up!

It’s not unusual to see native freshwater turtles in Westgate Park. We’ve watched the eggs being laid, the hatchlings struggling to get to the freshwater lake after months of incubation, and the adult turtles walking along the path or swimming vigorously across the lake.

There are however predators – foxes mostly – that dig up the eggs and catch the young. They are also tucker for waterbirds.

We are now working with Kai Lane from Ecology & Restoration Australia to protect these iconic freshwater turtles using a traditional methods of protection, coined the Yedabila Habitat Pods. 

The pods are made from Muehlenbekia florenta – Tangled Lignum which grows into a rigid, almost leafless shrub about 2.5 meter high which we planted in several parts of Westgate Park many years ago.

Tangled lignum makes very tough ‘pods’ and these will be great cover for other small animals too. Our aim is to protect the turtles, monitor the sites where turtles lay their eggs – November after rain – and add to our knowledge of these marvellous creatures. See here for Daangean turtle project in Devilbend Natural Features Reserve.

Freshwater turtles can live to 50 years of age and there are 3 turtle species in Victoria.

Like to be part of the Turtle Team? Sign up here.