Image - Ricky Spencer, Western Sydney University

BRST should not be confused with the non-native short-necked turtle Emydura Macquarii which also inhabits the Bellinger River. Distinctive features on BRST include a yellow stripe from the angle of the jaws, as well as distinct ‘bar-bells’ on the chin.

The current Bellinger River Turtle population is estimated to be less than 200 individuals and predominantly juveniles.

In 2005 the population was estimated between 3100-5900 individuals. After abnormal rainfall conditions and historically low river levels the population declined and in early 2015 (prior to the mortality event) was estimated between 1,600 – 4500 individuals.

Photo by Ricky Spencer, Western Syndey University

The Bellingen River Snapping Turtle is found in only one place on earth - a 55 kilometre stretch of the Bellinger River on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Bellinger River turtles prefer deep waterholes with rocky substrate and bedrock where they can camouflage. You can see the anticipated distribution in the image right.

BRST nests between October and December and lays one clutch of 10-25 eggs. Eggs are laid in excavations on the river banks. Turtles breed in sandy soil in open areas with lots of bush around (mosaic).

BRST feed on macroinvertebrates, terrestrial fruit and aquatic vegetation. They obtain a high proportion of their diet from benthic macro-invertebrate communities. As juveniles, they have strong leniencies towards carnivorous diets, while as adults they are omnivorous, commonly consuming caddisfly larvae, pyralidae larvae (moth larvae), ribbon weed and algae. Turtle nesting sites can be found on river banks in areas of sand and fine gravel. Turtle nests are often at risk from fox and goanna predation.

The main threats to this species include predation by foxes, poor water quality, and the past virus outbreak. The macro invertebrates that this species like to eat (caddisfly larvae) require particularly high levels of oxygen.