JARDINE RIVER TURTLE

The Jardine River turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle with a distinctive appearance. Its carapace, or shell, is typically olive to brown, sometimes with darker flecks, offering a natural camouflage against the sandy riverbeds and murky waters it inhabits. The plastron, or the underside of the shell, is usually lighter, often a creamy yellow. This turtle also features a somewhat flattened, oval-shaped shell, which aids in its aquatic lifestyle. Its limbs are webbed, perfect for swimming, and its head is relatively small with a blunt snout.

As its name suggests, the Jardine River turtle is primarily found in the Jardine River system located at the northern tip of Queensland. This area is characterised by tropical climates and a network of rivers, lagoons, and swamps. The turtle prefers slow-moving or still waters, where it can often be seen basking on logs or rocks. The species name “angkibaanya” is derived from the local Aboriginal language, reflecting the cultural importance of this species to Indigenous communities in the region.

The breeding season for the Jardine River turtle typically occurs during the wet season, when water levels are high, providing ample habitat for hatchlings. Females lay their eggs in sandy banks, where they incubate under the warmth of the sun. The number of eggs can vary, but a clutch usually contains around 10 to 20 eggs. Once hatched, the young turtles make their way to the water, where they begin their life journey.

In terms of longevity, the Jardine River turtle can live for several decades, often reaching 30 to 40 years if conditions are favourable and they are free from predation and human interference.

The Jardine River turtle is omnivorous, with a diet that includes aquatic vegetation, small fish, insects, and crustaceans. Its feeding habits contribute to the health of its ecosystem, as it helps control insect populations and maintain the balance of aquatic plant life.

According to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the Jardine River turtle is listed as Critically Endangered. This status highlights the severe threats it faces, including habitat destruction due to land development, pollution, and climate change. These factors, combined with predation and competition for resources, have contributed to its declining population.