Manning River turtle facing extinction from competing native species
The endangered Manning River turtle faces a new threat from Macquarie River turtles introduced to its habitat.
The Manning River Helmeted turtle is one of Australia's most striking freshwater turtles. A bright yellow stripe stretches from nose to tail.
The species has a lineage stretching back 55 million years but is listed as endangered. Habitat clearing, illegal pet trade and invasive predators all threaten it.
A new study reveals a more urgent threat: Macquarie River turtles, native to other Australian rivers, were possibly introduced by people releasing pet turtles into the river. Since 2007, these invading turtles have spread across nine tributaries.
Macquarie River turtles compete with Manning River turtles for food and carry disease. Most dangerously, they breed with them to create hybrids that replace endangered populations.
- 55 million years
- Lineage
- 9 tributaries
- Spread across
- 2007
- First detected
- Manning River region, New South Wales
- Habitat
Why it mattersAn invasive native species is driving an ancient local species towards extinction, showing how well-meaning pet releases can destroy unique wildlife.
AustraliaNSW wildlife managers must prevent Macquarie River turtles from spreading further to save a species found nowhere else on Earth.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
