Bell's Turtle
Wollumbinia belli
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 15/03/2023
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 1/08/1996
Population trend: Unknown
Other names: Western Sawshelled Turtle, Namoi River Turtle, Bell's Saw-shelled Turtle
Priority species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derived from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
Bell's turtle is an intermediate-sized short-necked freshwater turtle. It is in the 'saw-shelled' turtle group, which refers to the saw-toothed rear edge of the upper shell that occurs in young turtles. The species is restricted to upland streams (between 600 and 1100 m altitude) that contain permanent pools deeper than about 2m, granite boulders and bedrock.
Threats
Like many freshwater turtles Bell's Turtle has a restricted distribution and is threatened�by habitat destruction and degradation, which include pollution of river habitat, changes to natural stream flows through removal of water for irrigation and predation on eggs by foxes.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
Average life span:
Unknown
Number of young produced each year:
Unknown
Number of breeding events each year:
Unknown
Minimum sexual maturity age:
Unknown
Who is helping
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database