Bell's Turtle
Conservation Status: Endangered
Meet the Bell’s Turtle
The Bell’s Turtle (Myuchelys bellii) is one of Australia’s rarest and most elusive freshwater turtles. Endemic to the upper reaches of the Namoi, Gwydir, and Border River systems, as well as the northwest slopes escarpment of New South Wales, the species was recently discovered in parts of Queensland—hinting at a slightly wider distribution than previously thought.
This turtle is instantly recognisable by its broad, flattened shell, which is often covered in algae, and its streamlined head with pale facial markings. Adults can grow up to 30 cm in shell length. Slow-moving and reclusive, Bell’s Turtles favour calm, turbid waters with deep pools, undercut banks, and abundant aquatic vegetation. They spend much of their time submerged, emerging only to bask or move between pools.
Highly selective in habitat choice, Bell’s Turtles depend on stable, undisturbed waterways for nesting, feeding, and shelter. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Did you know?
- Bell’s Turtles are strong swimmers, often using river currents to move between feeding areas.
- They can stay submerged for over an hour by absorbing oxygen through the skin lining their throat.
- Algae growing on their shells helps camouflage them in murky waters.
Why They’re at Risk
- Slow Reproduction: Females lay only one clutch per year, with a small number of eggs. This low reproductive rate means populations recover very slowly from losses.
- Predation: Foxes, pigs, and other predators raid nests, consuming eggs and hatchlings. Even adults can be attacked by larger predators.
- Habitat Loss & Degradation: Wetland drainage, riverbank clearing, and water regulation for agriculture alter flow patterns, degrade nesting banks, and remove critical shelter.
- Water Pollution: Runoff containing pesticides, herbicides, and sediment reduces water quality, harming turtles directly and impacting the health of their food sources.
- Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns and increased frequency of droughts and floods can disrupt breeding cycles and degrade habitat.
Aussie Ark’s Conservation Work
Aussie Ark is dedicated to protecting Bell’s Turtle, ensuring this unique freshwater species has the chance to thrive in the wild.
- Captive Breeding & Head-Start Releases: At our Conservation Ark facility, Bell’s Turtle hatchlings are raised in controlled, predator-free environments until they are large enough to survive better in the wild. This “head-start” approach significantly boosts survival rates by reducing vulnerability to predators during their most fragile life stages.
- Population Monitoring: Regular surveys track the health, numbers, and breeding success of wild populations. Data collected guides our conservation decisions and identifies priority sites for action.
- Habitat Protection & Restoration: We work with landholders and local communities to protect nesting banks, restore riparian vegetation, and improve water quality in key rivers.
Together, these efforts are helping secure a future for Bell’s Turtle and safeguard the rivers it calls home.
How You Can Help
You can make a real difference! At Aussie Ark, we’re working tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and restore their habitats. From Tasmanian Devils to Eastern Quolls, your support helps us care for endangered animals and preserve the beauty of our native bushland.
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Donate
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Adopt
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Visit
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Find out more about how we’re helping the Bell's Turtle
Aussie Ark is stepping up to protect Australia’s wildlife at a time when it has never been more urgent. From building predator-proof sanctuaries and restoring vital habitats, to running world-leading breeding programs and reintroducing animals back into the wild, we are giving threatened species a fighting chance. Every action we take is about safeguarding the future of these animals and ensuring Australia’s unique wildlife can thrive for generations to come.
Get involved and support our mission
Shop, adopt, or experience the Sanctuary for yourself through one of our educational tour experiences. Get involved today, and help us work towards a better tomorrow.
