Fitzroy River Turtle
Rheodytes leukops
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 4/09/2024
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 1/08/1996
Population trend: Unknown
Other names: Fitzroy Tortoise, Fitzroy Turtle, White-eyed River Diver
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
As the name suggests, the Fitzroy River Turtle is only found along the Fitzroy River and its tributaries. They like fast flowing rivers with large deep pools with rocky or sandy substrates. They are bottom feeders preying on terrestrial and aquatic insects and other aquatic animals including worms, snails and plants. The Fitzroy River Turtle is capable of obtaining up to 70% of its oxygen needs from the water through tis cloaca (bottom) which allows it to remain underwater for up to three weeks.
Threats
The Fitzroy River Turtle's limited distribution makes it more susceptible to threats including loss and disturbance of habitat from agriculture, damming of rivers and polutions from mining. One of the most significant threats comes from the predation of eggs due to nesting sites being heavily used by foxes, pigs, dingoes and feral cats, with over 90% of nests being lost to predation.
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