Mary River Turtle
Elusor macrurus
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 4/09/2024
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 1/08/1996
Population trend: Unknown
Other names: Mary River Tortoise
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
The Mary River Turtle is endemic to the Mary River in south-eastern Queensland. Like other turtles with cloacal respiration, the Mary River Turtle occurs in flowing, well oxygenated sections of streams. Its habitat consists of riffles (particularly productive parts of a river that are shallow with fast-flowing, aerated water) and shallow stretches alternating with deeper, flowing pools.
Threats
The main identified threats to the Mary River Turtle include predation, changes in hydrology and streamflow due to dams and weirs, habitat loss/degradation through soil and water pollution, invasive weeds, clearing for agriculture and trampling of nest sites by cattle.
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