Slow down on Alfred Road: vehicle strikes threaten WA nesting turtles
Southwestern snake-necked turtles, unique to WA, face extinction risk during nesting season from vehicle strikes, foxes and ravens.
Western suburbs locals are being urged to drive slowly around Lake Claremont, Jualbup Lake, Perry Lakes and Bibra Lake during nesting season, which runs from September to November. Southwestern snake-necked turtles lay their eggs in these wetlands, but the species faces serious threats.
About 95 per cent of nests are destroyed by foxes and ravens within 48 hours of being laid. Vehicle strikes also kill turtles.
The species is officially listed as near threatened, but scientists have observed a sharp population decline. Friends of Lake Claremont volunteers patrol the wetlands to protect nests with mesh frames and escort nesting females back to water.
The group is also planting about 400,000 native trees in a major habitat restoration project.
- September to November
- Nesting season
- About 95 per cent within 48 hours
- Nests destroyed by predators
- 90 per cent over past 150 years
- Perth wetlands lost
- About 400,000
- Native trees being planted
Why it mattersTurtles are dying faster than they can breed. Without action to slow vehicles and protect nests, population failure could be catastrophic.
AustraliaPerth residents near key turtle habitats can help save the species by driving slowly on Alfred Road and Davies Road during nesting season and reporting sightings through the Turtle SAT app.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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