Australia Unveils World-First Floating Turtle Islands For Conservation

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October 25, 2024 at 9:45 a.m.

Australia has introduced the world's first turtle islands. The floating islands are made of PVC, featuring a central platform with a raised nesting box and 'vegetation pods' to support turtle breeding. The first island was placed near Maitland, NSW, providing a sanctuary for the endangered Hunter River Turtle. The second island was installed in the Springfield wetland near Gosford. The innovative island were created by animal preservation project Aussie Ark and Dr. Ricky Spencer of Western Sydney University. The floating islands offer a safe breeding site, protecting turtle nests from predators like feral foxes, which threaten 95% of freshwater turtle nests. Dr. Spencer emphasised the potential for this technology to benefit turtle species across Australia and globally. “We must protect our endangered freshwater turtles,” Dr. Spencer urged, citing their ancient lineage and ecological importance.

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Australia Unveils World-First Floating Turtle Islands For Conservation

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