Bellinger River emydura (Emydura macquarii) (Bellinger River form) (a turtle) - vulnerable species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the turtle, Emydura macquarii (Bellinger River form), the Bellinger River Emydura, as a VULNERABLE SPECIES on Schedule 2 of that Act. Any submissions received following advertisement of the Preliminary Determination have been considered by the Scientific Committee. Listing of Vulnerable Species is provided for by Section 14 of the Act. The definition of species for the purposes of the Act permits the listing, as species, of distinctive forms regardless of formal taxonomic status.

This Determination has been superseded by the 2009 Determination to delist this species.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Emydura macquarii (Bellinger River form), although not formally described, is a morphologically distinct entity that is known only from a single locality near Thora on the Bellinger River. This form is characterised by the carapace being considerably more flared toward the rear than other forms and the iris is a golden-yellow, with a yellowish inner ring. Two specimens are held at the Australian Museum.

2. The taxon occupies several long, deep pools in moderately broad reaches of the Bellinger River. It is found only in small, isolated populations, and where it occurs it is quite uncommon.

3. The low numbers and small populations of the taxon may be the result of competition between it and Elseya species present in the same sites. Threats to Emydura macquarii (Bellinger River form), include extraction of river sand and gravel, construction of bridge and ford crossings upstream of the species location, low intensity grazing and agricultural activities in downstream reaches of the Bellinger River, logging of native forests leading to water pollution and soil degradation, and line fishing as a possible minor threat.

4. Given the restricted geographical range and evidence of threats to the taxon in 3, above, the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the taxon is likely to become endangered unless the factors threatening its survival cease to operate.

Associate Professor Paul Adam
Deputy Chairperson
Scientific Committee

Gazetted: 21/2/97