City’s turtle monitoring volunteers make a splash
The City of South Perth’s turtle monitoring program wrapped up for 2024 with volunteers dedicating over 68 hours across 66 shifts to track our snake-necked turtles and protect their nests.
During an intensive trapping session, the team collected crucial scientific data by weighing, measuring and tagging turtles from three lakes—Tondut, Douglas and Hurlingham.
Specialised monitoring also included taking genetic and DNA samples, inserting GPS trackers for movement analysis and even performing ultrasounds on female turtles to check for eggs.
Volunteers identified 28 nests and will keep a close eye on them come April when baby turtles can start hatching.
Turtle enthusiasts played a key role in logging turtle activity using the TurtleSAT app, which allows anyone to contribute vital data anytime. The information collected helps to better understand turtle movements and nesting behaviours.
The City’s ongoing turtle conservation initiatives rely on the community’s involvement and scientific research to protect this iconic species for future generations.
Keep an eye out for more volunteer opportunities in the coming year and, in the meantime, you can log turtle sightings via the TurtleSAT app.
Photos by Georgina Wilson.
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Media contact
For media enquiries, please contact the City’s Communications Officer.
- Phone 9474 0777
- Email media@southperth.wa.gov.au
