Hunter River Turtle
Conservation Status: Not Listed
Meet the Hunter River Turtle
The Hunter River Turtle (Emydura macquarii gunabarra) is a rare and little-known freshwater turtle found only in the Hunter River system of New South Wales. Restricted to small, fragmented populations in the upper and middle reaches of the river and its tributaries, it is one of Australia’s most range-limited turtles.
This species is recognised by its broad, oval shell, often olive to dark brown in colour, and its lighter plastron (underside). Its streamlined body is adapted for life in slow-moving water, and its webbed feet make it an efficient swimmer. Hunter River Turtles are shy and reclusive, spending most of their time submerged in calm, murky waters fringed with dense aquatic vegetation. They emerge occasionally to bask on logs or banks, soaking up the sun to regulate their body temperature.
Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of aquatic plants, algae, small invertebrates, and carrion. By foraging, they play an important role in maintaining waterway health, recycling nutrients, and influencing aquatic vegetation growth.
Did you know?
- The Hunter River Turtle is a subspecies of the Macquarie Turtle but is found nowhere else in the world.
- It can stay underwater for extended periods, absorbing oxygen through specialised areas of skin in its throat.
- Some individuals are known to live for several decades in the wild.
Why They’re at Risk
- Slow Reproduction: Females lay only a small clutch of eggs each year. This low reproductive rate, combined with high rates of egg and hatchling loss, means populations recover very slowly.
- Predation: Foxes, feral pigs, and other introduced predators raid nests and prey on hatchlings. Even when turtles reach adulthood, they can still be vulnerable to large predators.
- Invasive Species: Introduced fish and other aquatic species compete with turtles for food, disturb nesting sites, and alter habitat quality.
- Habitat Destruction: Urban development, agriculture, and riverbank modification have destroyed and fragmented key nesting and feeding areas. Damming and water diversion have altered natural flow patterns, reducing the calm, sheltered waters the species needs.
- Water Pollution: Runoff containing pesticides, herbicides, industrial waste, and sediment degrades water quality, harming both turtles and their food sources.
Aussie Ark’s Conservation Work
Aussie Ark is working to secure a future for the unique Hunter River Turtle, protecting both the species and the habitat it depends on.
- Captive Breeding & Head-Start Releases: At our Conservation Ark facility, eggs are incubated and hatchlings are raised in predator-free conditions until they reach a size that gives them a better chance of survival in the wild. This “head-start” method helps overcome the heavy losses seen in the earliest life stages.
- Monitoring & Research: We track wild populations, mapping breeding sites, studying movement patterns, and assessing habitat health to guide effective conservation action.
- Habitat Protection & Restoration: Aussie Ark works with local landholders and agencies to restore riparian vegetation, stabilise riverbanks, and improve water quality in the Hunter River catchment.
- Community Engagement: Through education programs and local partnerships, we raise awareness of the Hunter River Turtle’s plight and encourage stewardship of river habitats.
Through these combined efforts, Aussie Ark is giving the Hunter River Turtle a fighting chance and creating healthier river systems for generations to come.
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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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
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Find out more about how we’re helping Hunter River Turtles
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.
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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.
