Freshwater turtles rescued from a dried-up water hole in western New South Wales are being returned to their habitat. This follows the state government's decision to cut environmental water to the area earlier this year.
Late last month, 10 broad-shelled turtles and three Murray River turtles were released back into the Gingham water hole in the Gwydir region. The environment minister, Penny Sharpe, described the outcome as a “remarkable conservation outcome”.
The rapidly drying water hole was the site of a rescue mission in April after University of New England scientists raised concerns. WaterNSW had stopped environmental flows after a complaint from a private landholder, which led to the deaths of turtles, birds, frogs, and sheep.
Thirty-nine turtles were taken into care at Taronga Zoo in Dubbo. In May, the government expedited legislation to protect WaterNSW from liability claims when delivering environmental flows, and the water was subsequently turned back on.
Six months later, the Gingham water hole is full again. Dr Phoebe Meagher, a wildlife conservation officer at Taronga Conservation Society, stated that 37 of the 39 rescued turtles were healthy enough for rehabilitation, with 24 still in care expected to return by the end of the year.
Additionally, 281 eggs from the rescued turtles are incubating at Taronga Zoo, with hatchlings expected early next year. The zoo hopes to release any hatchlings back into the Gingham water hole when ready.