Council workers recently found a huge American alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys temminckii) in a Sydney drain. Alligator snapping turtles live for up to 80 years and have powerful jaws capable of biting through a broomstick. They are listed on the World Wildlife Fund’s top ten endangered animals list. It is thought that the turtle in the drain could possibly be one of eight baby turtles stolen from a reptile park over 20 years ago.
Discoveries like that of the alligator snapping turtle prompted the Centennial Park Trust to invite turtle expert Craig Latta to survey their ponds. Sure enough, Craig has found a thriving population of around 200 turtles in the park. Thousands of turtles were sold through pet shops in the 1960s and 1970s, and most of the Centennial Park turtles were probably pets that grew too big and were dumped by their owners. They include the following three species:
This rare and endangered species is Australia’s largest short-necked turtle. It has fleshy projections or barbels under the chin, and a long, thick tail.
Short-necked turtles (see photos) are usually around 15-20cm (6-8″) long, although some grow as big as 35cm (12″). They can often be seen sitting on logs or rocks and soaking up the sunshine.
A bigheaded species with a prominent nose. It is brown to dark brown, and lives in river systems and lagoons in the northern parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
It is not always a bad thing for an animal to live outside its natural range. For example the Lake Eacham Rainbow fish became extinct in the wild, but the population was restored with the release of captive-bred fish. In the same way, the Centennial Park population of Mary River turtles is a safety valve for the endangered Queensland population. However, it is not a good idea to release animals into areas where they do not naturally occur, because they can have a devastating effect on our wildlife and our natural ecology. If you no longer want a pet give it to another pet owner, give it to a pet shop, or contact your fauna authority or zoo for advice. DO NOT release it into the wild.
Reptiles can be kept as pets in all states of Australia, except Western Australia and Tasmania, with a permit or licence. It is illegal to take animals from the wild.
ACT – C class permit required (experienced, proper facilities, captive-bred stock from a licensed breeder). Fee is $10 per financial year. Phone: ACT Licensing Service Officer, (02) 6207 6376.
NSW – class 3 licence (must have demonstrated experience in keeping reptiles). Phone: National Parks & Wildlife Service, phone: (02) 9585 6444.
NT – permit required. Phone: Parks & Wildlife Commission of NT, phone: (08) 8999 4795.
QLD – licence and log book required. Phone: Department of Parks & Wildlife, phone: (07) 3202 0200 (for nearest local office).
SA – permit required. Phone: Environment & Natural Resources Dept., phone: (08) 8204 8702.
VIC – licence required (must be captive bred stock). Phone: Game & Wildlife Licensing Unit phone: (03) 9412 4992 (9am-12 noon).