There was movement on the river bank for the word had passed around, that the White Throat Snapping Turtle was laying her eggs!
Yes, this rare turtle (Latin name, Elseya albagula) was identified only a few years ago by the committed efforts of the staff at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is found only in the Fitzroy, Burnett and Mary catchments. The turtle is known to be one of the largest species of freshwater turtles and is currently laying her eggs in nests across our catchment.
However, the species is under threat as the freshly laid eggs are hunted down and dug up by dogs and foxes before they get a chance to hatch. So the Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA) and EPA want to help prevent this from happening.
If you’re interested in participating in this work, or just want to know more about this amazing turtle, please join us for an information morning at St George Hall, South Kolan on July 3 at 10am. Please RSVP for catering purposes to BCCA office at 07 4165 3551 or [email protected].