May 22, 2023
One of the white-throated snapping turtles (Elseya albagula) found in Baffle Creek in Queensland’s Gladstone region.
Image credit: courtesy Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG)
The critically endangered turtle has been found in Queensland’s Baffle Creek for the first time.
The white-throated snapping turtle (Elseya albagula) – known colloquially as a ‘bum-breathing turtle’ due to its ability to absorb oxygen through its anus while submerged – is known to inhabit Queensland’s Fitzroy, Burnett and Mary Rivers.
But thanks to a recent discovery, Baffle Creek can also be added to that list.
Not one, but three white-throated snapping turtles were found in the creek in Queensland’s Gladstone region by Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) scientists during a routine assessment of the waterway.
BMRG research director, Tom Espinoza, says the turtles (one female and two males) were caught in nets, used to safely trap, record and release fish and turtle species.
“The significance of finding three of the turtles is there’s potentially a self-sustaining population of a critically endangered species,” Tom says.
“It extends the area we now know the species inhabits and genetically it could be very important.
“Historically, this catchment has been rarely sampled for freshwater threatened species, and it’s free of any dams or weirs. It’s a largely untouched, natural watercourse.”
BMRG project officers Benjamin Hoekstra and Sydney Collett made the discovery.
“Pulling in the first net and seeing the size of the large female turtle we had caught was exhilarating,” says Benjamin.
“It wasn’t until we started to process all the turtles, identifying the species and taking measurements did we start to realise the magnitude of catching three in this stretch of creek… it’s a moment that will resonate with me for quite some time.”
Sydney adds, “it certainly was a highlight to see not only one white-throated snapping turtle, but three!”
“They all looked incredibly healthy. It gives me hope that they are recovering, increasing distribution and are doing well.”
Related: Steve Irwin’s long-lost bum-breathing turtle rediscovered in northern Queensland