Sadly, fresh-water turtles are being wiped out by feral foxes in Australia. At Jerrabomberra Wetlands in Canberra, the rangers are trying to catch some of the baby turtles when they hatch, and feed them for a while before introducing them back into the wild, hopefully with a better chance of survival. The ranger described guarding the nests at night, surrounded by foxes that are attracted to the scent of the turtles.



Baby Long-necked Turtle by RobGeraghty, on Flickr

This is the clutch before they were fished out of the ground.


Turtle nest by RobGeraghty, on Flickr

There's 15 in the clutch - one may have got away.


Baby turtles by RobGeraghty, on Flickr

[lesmore49]

Great pictures. I don't know much about the flora and fauna of Australia.

Are foxes indigenous to Australia ?

[RobG]

Great pictures. I don't know much about the flora and fauna of Australia. Are foxes indigenous to Australia ?

Thanks! No, foxes are not native. They were introduced to Australia along with rabbits by English settlers who wanted to go and hunt the same animals which they hunted in the UK. Foxes, rabbits, cats, pigs, camels and water buffalo have all cause vast amounts of damage to the ecosystem. Foxes and cats are probably responsible for the extinction of many native marsupials, reptiles and birds.

PS Prior to the arrival of Europeans there were very few species of placental animals in Australia. Those that come to mind are rats, bats and seals. Non-native house mice and Rattus norvegicus have also affected native species. Ground nesting birds have been killed by rats, especially on islands.

[lesmore49]

Thanks! No, foxes are not native. They were introduced to Australia along with rabbits by English settlers who wanted to go and hunt the same animals which they hunted in the UK. Foxes, rabbits, cats, pigs, camels and water buffalo have all cause vast amounts of damage to the ecosystem. Foxes and cats are probably responsible for the extinction of many native marsupials, reptiles and birds.

That's unfortunate about their introduction. Non native species can sure wreak havoc on a native population and once they get a toehold in their 'new ' area, it is difficult to manage the new species.

[RobG]

That's unfortunate about their introduction. Non native species can sure wreak havoc on a native population and once they get a toehold in their 'new ' area, it is difficult to manage the new species.

Sadly, that is very true. With respect to native reptiles, one of the worst feral species is the cane toad, whose venom kills most lizards, snakes and Quolls.

[bobD]

Non-native house mice and Rattus norvegicus have also affected native species

They need headphones...

You Tube

You Tube

[Kerrowdown]

English settlers

We have similar problems here too...

[RobG]

We have similar problems here too...

I thought it was just the English that were feral in Scotland?

[Kerrowdown]

I thought it was just the English that were feral in Scotland?

I'm trying to be... a diplomatic, non political, commenting Scot.