Bell's turtle conservation project

Bell's turtles can live at least 60 years of age and possibly much longer. However, they are endangered because the adult population is ageing, and few juveniles exist.

The greatest threat to Bell's turtle is from fox predation. More than 95% of Bell's turtle nests are raided, often within 48 hours eggs being laid. The foxes eat the eggs and, unfortunately, they also prey on nesting females.

Other threats include:

• habitat degradation
• drought
• nest flooding
• water extraction that drains remnant pools.

Saving our Species supports conservation outcomes for the Bell's turtle, which include:

• monitoring species abundance and demographic status
• locating and protecting wild turtle nests
• population augmentation through ex-situ incubation of eggs and release of captive-reared hatchlings
• research into disease susceptibility
• supporting landholders in riparian protection and fox control
• community engagement, education and awareness raising.

The project is coordinated by NSW Local Land Services, with support from Saving our Species. It is delivered in partnership with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, University of New England, James Cook University, turtle experts and ecologists, detection dog trainers and handlers, and over 30 private properties, including 4 under Indigenous management.

Help save Bell's turtle

The best way to help save Bell's turtles is to protect their nesting areas from foxes with a temporary electrified fox-exclusion fence. Find out more information on exclusion fences and how you can help save this species in the Bell's turtle nest protection guidelines (PDF 3.3MB).

Turtles Forever is a project working to protect Bell's turtle by releasing juveniles into their natural habitat and protecting nests in the wild. Follow Turtles Forever.