On the Expedition
Are Melbourne’s Freshwater Turtles at risk?
Very little is known about Melbourne’s freshwater turtles, and particularly the impact that this growing city is having on their health. As one of the top predators in the food chain, a healthy turtle population points to a healthy ecosystem, and globally, freshwater turtles are in decline. With special waterproof clothing, you will wade through the city’s freshwater lakes and creeks to capture turtles, assess their health and review the condition of their habitat. You will help scientists and governments answer the pivotal question of ‘how is urbanisation impacting the survival of Melbourne’s native turtles?’
About the Research Area
There are around 20 different sites in the greater Melbourne region where two species of freshwater turtle, as well as macro-invertebrates and tadpoles, will be studied. These sites follow an urban-rural gradient, which allows us to study the health of turtles and their food sources along this gradient. The sites include Wylies Creek Wetlands in Cranbourne, Bonview Wetland in Doncaster and Nillumbik Wetland in Diamond Creek, and are selected at the time of the expedition in response to weather conditions and water levels.
Each team will visit two sites during their expedition