Almost half of Australia’s freshwater turtles are now listed as vulnerable, or worse. But in south-east Queensland’s Mary River, the endangered Mary River turtle is being given a fighting chance — thanks to an extraordinary 22-year collaboration between the local community (landholders, Landcare, volunteers) and researchers.
Sixteen years ago, the then-PhD student Mariana Campbell (and today Young Tall Poppy recipient) received a scholarship from the Tiaro & District Landcare Group (TDLG) to investigate the species’ ecology along the lower river catchment. Mariana’s close collaboration with Tiaro & District Landcare Group (TDLG) on the Mary River turtle Conservation Program has continued ever since.
Valuable knowledge improves management
The scientific knowledge on the Mary River turtle’s biology may have largely remained a mystery had it not been for this long-standing partnership. Together, members of the Tiaro community, TDLG, Mariana and several other researchers have built an extensive body of knowledge that spans 17 peer-reviewed papers and six higher degree research theses. Vital insights about the turtle’s ecology, critical habitats, threats, and population now inform environmental planning and water management in the region.
A passion for collaboration that runs deep
This deep collaboration has seen local group members and volunteers monitoring nests, river changes, collecting data, undertaking fieldwork, co-authoring manuscripts, and even obtaining extra funds to support the research.
This project illustrates how science stems far beyond the lab and into rivers, on riverbanks, and in communities that care deeply and take action.
Read Mariana Campbell’s work on the Mary River turtle, conducted in partnership with TDLG:
https://researchers.cdu.edu.au/en/persons/mariana-campbell
Learn more about the critically endangered Mary River turtle and the Tiaro & District Landcare Group:
https://www.tiarolandcare.org.au/maryriverturtle/
https://www.facebook.com/MaryRiverTurtleProjectTiaroLandcare/
Picture courtesy Joel Howland