Dead south-western snake-necked turtles found in Bibra Lake ‘likely killed’ by foxes

The bodies of about 96 turtles have been found in Perth’s southern suburbs in what experts are calling a “devastating hit” to local wildlife already under threat.

A Murdoch University spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that dozens of south-western snake-necked turtles had been found in Bibra Lake and were likely killed by feral foxes.

The remains — some with legs or heads missing — were discovered by wildlife volunteers over two weeks.

The volunteers, known as Turtle Trackers, regularly monitor and protect nesting females and their eggs under a Murdoch University-led Saving Our Snake-Necked Turtle project.

Freshwater turtles are said to be among the most threatened groups of vertebrates across the world.

Snake-necked turtles face threats from a combination of predators such as foxes and ravens, vehicle strikes and a “lack of suitable nesting habitats”.

Murdoch University turtle ecologist Dr Anthony Santoro said the loss would have a major impact on the future survival of the species in Bibra Lake.

He said the killing highlighted the impacts of “climate change and feral predators”.

“When these threats combine, the threat can multiply exponentially,” he said.

“This is likely not going to be an isolated event and is probably happening at a wetland near you, and will very likely happen more in the future as we continue to dry.”

He said there needed to be more funding to save the turtles.

“It’s clear the turtle is under immense pressure and we will likely see more local extinctions,” he said.

“The species listing is over 30 years old and needs to be updated, but we currently lack the data and knowledge needed to update the listing and effectively conserve the species.”

City of Cockburn environmental education officer Vicky Hartill said the city had been a leading supporter of group efforts to save the snake-necked turtle.

“As global temperatures rise and our planet becomes drier in some parts as rainfall rates decline, the city is working hard to anticipate and meet the changing needs of the local environment,” she said.

“The city is here for the long haul and is prepared to continue with its concerted efforts over many years to help local turtle populations recover.”

According to the City of Cockburn, several efforts are under way across the district to save the native species.

These include conducting “feral animal control” in and around turtle nesting areas, installing educational signage, implementing “turtle tracker” programs, collaborating with experts and maintaining nesting refuges at Bibra Lake.