Bellinger River snapping turtle conservation

Key information

This project in the NSW Mid North Coast hinterland is focused on monitoring and habitat restoration to support:

• the recovery and resilience of the critically endangered Bellinger River snapping turtle
• surrounding threatened ecological communities (TECs) including the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia. 

Project background

The Bellinger River snapping turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) is a focus species in the North Coast region. 

In 2015, a virus wiped out around 90% of this critically endangered turtle population in just 6 weeks.  

The Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia is a nationally listed, critically endangered rainforest community. Today, it is only found in fragmented patches across New South Wales and Queensland.

Bellinger River snapping turtle facts:

• Scientific name: Myuchelys georgesi.
• Threat level: critically endangered.
• Features and habitat: this short-necked freshwater turtle prefers medium to deep pools. 
• Known locations: endemic to the Bellinger catchment. 

Project objectives 

This project will focus on addressing information gaps and threats to the snapping turtle recovery effort.

By the end of the project in June 2028, we expect to have: 

• improved understanding about the Bellinger River snapping turtle 
• improved the condition of Threatened Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia in areas along the Bellinger River. 

Project delivery

Work includes: 

• supporting the Saving Our Species Bellinger River snapping turtle recovery effort
• continued support of the NSW DCCEEW’s Bellinger River Health Program, including biannual water quality and macro-invertebrate surveys to monitor potential threats and community engagement to support protecting turtle habitat
• on-ground habitat restoration works
• capacity-building for landholders to reduce threats to the turtle habitat by increasing knowledge and skills in weed management. 

Project timeline

2024:

• identification and prioritisation of work sites in partnership with Bellinger Landcare Incorporated and NSW DCCEEW
• cultural heritage site assessments in partnership with Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation
• work activity planning.  

2025–28:

• establish land management agreements with landholders
• start threatened ecological communities restoration works
• education workshops for community members in threatened ecological communities restoration
• weed control works
• fencing works
• project close (30 June 2028) and outcomes reporting. 

Annual (2024 to 2028):

• water quality surveys with NSW DCCEEW’s Estuaries and Catchments division.

Quarterly (2024 to 2028):

• Bellinger River Snapping Turtle radio tracking with NSW DCCEEW Biodiversity and Conservation Science north-east NSW division.

Work underway

• Water quality monitoring contract confirmed.
• TEC site visits undertaken from September to October 2024. 
• Works planning underway. 

How to get involved

Find out how you can get involved in the project through TEC habitat restoration and water quality monitoring. Follow the North Coast Local Land Services Facebook page for updates. You can also watch for announcements on our LLS News & Events page or check local media outlets and subscribe to our newsletters. 

Funding and partnerships

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by North Coast Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

Key delivery partners working alongside Local Land Services are:

• NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) Biodiversity and Conservation Science north-east NSW division
• NSW DCCEEW’s Estuaries and Catchments division
• Bellinger Landcare Incorporated
• Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation
• private landholders.