Image : Paul Fahy
Bellingen Riverwatch FAQs
Answers to common questions about our program and our rivers.
Questions about our rivers
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Our Steering Committee has worked together to analyse five years of Bellingen Riverwatch data to give our river stakeholders and the community the overall findings and areas of concern.
These reports tell us that the rivers of Bellinger catchment and Kalang catchment are unique and some of the healthiest and most pristine rivers in Australia.
Our Water Quality data catchment scores from our 5-year report are 90% (Bellinger catchment) and 94% (Kalang catchment). This tells us that the rivers of the Bellinger catchment and Kalang catchment are in very good health.
Our Pesticides Detectives data tells us that no pesticides were detected in any of the seven Bellingen Riverwatch sites that were tested.
Our Macroinvertebrate data tells us that the sites we sampled have relatively healthy to very healthy macroinvertebrate communities. Results show a high abundance of known sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa collected at both Waterbug Blitz events which suggests that the instream habitat and water quality at these sites has been consistently good to very good.
Our Platypus eDNA data tells us that this region is a stronghold for the platypus.
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The Bellinger River catchment has high levels of endemism and one of the last remaining strongholds for a number of endangered species dependent on aquatic health, including the:
Critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi)
Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus)
Stuttering Frog (Mixophyes balbus)
Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata)
Pouched Frog (Assia darlingtoni)
Oxleyan Pygmy Perch
In addition to this, the catchment supports a number of listed Endangered Ecological Communities, including Lowland Rainforest.
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There is a responsibility that comes with excellent river health results.
With the huge loss of biodiversity happening across the globe, it is important now more than ever that we also focus on protecting Earth's very healthy ecosystems, such as this one. Not only for the diverse species that rely on these rivers now, but for the generations to come.
Caring for the environment doesn't only look like improving areas of poor health. It is imperative to protect healthy waterways, internationally, nationally and locally.
“In terms of stream health it is usually more effective to protect (preserve) reaches of stream that remain in good condition, than to spend huge amounts of money trying to rehabilitate reaches that are already damaged. Similarly, it is usually more efficient to stop a stream deteriorating than to try to fix it later.”
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Important aspects of protecting pristine rivers includes:
Long term data collection
Fencing off the river
Regenerating 20m of riparian zone along all rivers in both catchments (with the exception for where structural works are required)
Supporting positive river behaviours. 10 ways you can help the rivers.
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The Bellinger River Riparian Rehabilitation Project
Since 2015 Bellinger Landcare has been working with the Saving our Species program, landholders and land managers, the NSW Environmental Trust, North Coast Local Land Services and community members to improve riparian vegetation within the species' range. This has been achieved by controlling weeds, revegetating cleared areas, hosting community workshops and excluding cattle through fencing and off-stream watering.
Between 2015 and 2022 the Bellinger Landcare’s Bellinger River Rehabilitation Project has made progress towards several of these goals:
25km of the Bellinger River is currently under active restoration within the species range, with works being undertaken on 15 private sites, New England National Park and council managed land.
60 volunteers contributed over 3,600 hours of volunteer weed control and bush regeneration. in addition to 4,100 bush regeneration hours undertaken by professional.
3500 local rainforest plants were planted to expand the area of stream-side vegetation along the length of the river.
Learn more about Bellinger Landcare and the riparian restoration program:
facebook.com/BellingerLandcareInc
The Point : A huge success story
Bellingen Urban Landcare (BULC) has been restoring The Point for over 20 years, and a complex and diverse rainforest is now developing after two decades of dedicated volunteer work, in what was once degraded agricultural land.
BULC undertake regular working bees in this area, so keep up to date on their Facebook page to get involved and see this amazing work for yourself!
Help Bellinger Landcare tackle the significant weed issues throughout the Bellinger and Kalang catchments.
Help Bellinger Landcare tackle the significant weed issues throughout the Bellinger and Kalang catchments.
Volunteer with Bellinger Landcare!
To volunteer, contact office@bellingerlandcare.org.au
Questions about reporting things we see at the river
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Report turtle sightings using Turtle SAT, and report nesting sites, and sick or dead turtles on (02) 6659 8200 or 131 555 or Shane.ruming@environment.nsw.gov.au
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See or smell something that doesn’t look right? Call 131 555 (NSW only) or contact your local council to report leaks, spills and other pollution incidents that can harm the environment.
You can also report littering or illegal dumping using the EPA Litter App.
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The algal information line on 1800 999 457 provides recorded information on algal alerts.
To report suspected algal blooms during business hours, phone Dane Clarke, Algal Coordinator, Coastal (Metropolitan and South Coast, Hunter and North Coast) on (02) 9865 2559 (Parramatta).
To report suspected algal blooms at all other times, an email can be sent to RACC@waternsw.com.au with details and any available photos of the suspected bloom. A WaterNSW RACC coordinator will respond to your inquiry at the earliest opportunity.
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To report a fish kill, phone the Fisheries Watch Hotline on 1800 043 536.
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Report potentially hazardous items like metal parts, agricultural waste and cars by calling the Environmental Line on 131 555 to report potentially hazardous items like metal parts, agricultural waste and cars.
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Call the Bellingen Police on 02 6690 1100
Questions about Bellingen Riverwatch data
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1. What were the annual water quality and macroinvertebrate grades and scores for the sites tested, what does this tell us about the general health of these catchments, and how does it compare to previous years?
2. Are there any gaps in community knowledge and behaviours about the factors that contribute to river and catchment health
3. (Future question) What were the best sites to swim in this Spring/Summer?
4. (Future question) Are the management actions taking place in the Bellinger and Kalang catchments making a difference?
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Our Steering Committee has worked together to analyse five years of Bellingen Riverwatch data to give our river stakeholders and the community the overall findings and areas of concern.
These reports tell us that the rivers of Bellinger catchment and Kalang catchment are unique and some of the healthiest and most pristine rivers in Australia.
Our Water Quality data catchment scores from our 5-year report are 90% (Bellinger catchment) and 94% (Kalang catchment). This tells us that the rivers of the Bellinger catchment and Kalang catchment are in very good health.
Our Pesticides Detectives data tells us that no pesticides were detected in any of the seven Bellingen Riverwatch sites that were tested.
Our Macroinvertebrate data tells us that the sites we sampled have relatively healthy to very healthy macroinvertebrate communities. Results show a high abundance of known sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa collected at both Waterbug Blitz events which suggests that the instream habitat and water quality at these sites has been consistently good to very good.
Our Platypus eDNA data tells us that this region is a stronghold for the platypus.
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River health and water quality can change due to a wide range of factors, such as geology, rainfall, vegetation cover, gradient/steepness and size of the catchment, human impacts through land use, natural disasters, climate, and much more.
To help build a picture of a catchments’ health, ongoing and regular monitoring of water quality is required to build what’s called ‘baseline data’ - a long-term picture of what’s considered normal conditions for that particular waterway. This baseline information is important for river health and the future of the turtles, as the more we know about the river the better informed we are regarding what to do next.
Ongoing water quality data is important for monitoring the rivers’ health, identifying priority areas for management actions and educating the community on how to reduce the impact they may be having on their environment.
Our data can contribute towards:
building a picture of the aquatic and riverine health of the Bellinger and Kalang River catchments, and helping researchers identify issues and/or impacts;
providing a photographic, scientific and anecdotal history of our waterways;
providing information to facilitate research into the Bellingen River Snapping Turtle (BRST) or other threatened species that rely on the Bellinger catchment;
Bellingen Shire Council – to help to contribute to the EcoHealth Report Card assessments for both rivers, which occurs in partnership with OEH for estuary monitoring, as well as ongoing assessment of river health that can help guide management decisions for on-ground projects;
DPE's Saving Our Species program scientists and aquatic ecologists – to add to existing river health data for catchment health both locally and for statewide reporting, and inform BRST research;
Western Sydney University researchers, Taronga Zoo and Symbio Wildlife Park – assist with research into the turtle and to replicate the condition of the river in the captive breeding program.
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With River Stakeholders
Bellingen Riverwatch communicates its’ data with river stakeholders to help build a picture of the aquatic and riverine health of the Bellinger and Kalang River catchments, help identify issues and impacts, aid decision making, guide research, inform policy and river health priorities.
Our raw data is shared with with the NSW Government Saving our Species recovery program for the Bellingen River Snapping Turtle. From there, it is shared with scientists nationally, who are working to help recover this species, including both captive breeding teams at Symbio Wildlife Park and Taronga Zoo Sydney.
With Community MembersWe also communicate our data with community members to raise awareness, improve community understanding about the environment and threatened species, and promote positive river health choices for community members, landholders, and tourists.
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Our raw data is available on our data portal
Questions about Bellingen Riverwatch
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Bellingen Riverwatch runs the largest macroinvertebrate monitoring program in Australia and the largest water quality monitoring program in NSW. The program also delivers riverbank restoration, nature connection, and community education events to support the protection of rivers and ecosystems for future generations.
Our data assist scientists involved in the recovery of the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping turtle (BRST) and informs catchment management decisions.
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Our volunteers test for water quality and macroinvertebrates, and help plant trees, across the Bellinger and Kalang catchments.
We make our raw and interpreted data accessible to the public.
We increase community riverhealth knowledge and skills, as well as community connectedness to the rivers, to support the health of these rivers, their ecosystems and all the species that rely on them into the future.
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Bellingen Riverwatch (BR) began as a joint initiative of OzGREEN and the NSW Government Saving our Species program, following a disease outbreak that caused a mass death event of the turtle in early 2015.
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In 2015, Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (BRST) suffered a significant mortality event. Since the event, investigation has identified a virus (Bellinger River Virus or BRV), previously not known to science, as the agent most likely to be responsible for the mortality event.
An estimated 90% of the BRST population is believed to have died as a result of the virus in an approximate 6-week period. Infected turtles suffered blindness, internal organ necrosis and developed sudden inflammatory lesions.
Prior to this event, the population size for the species is historically between 3000 and 6000 animals. The current Bellinger River Snapping Turtle population is estimated to be less than 200 individuals and predominantly juveniles. (Chessmen et al. (2020)).
Preliminary testing by the Environmental Protection Authority did not detect any water pollution issues. However, a need to collect continuous, scientifically robust water quality data has been identified as a priority need by the scientists involved in the recovery of the BRST, to help inform management decisions.
The BRST is currently listed as Critically Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The BRST is endemic to the Bellinger catchment, occupying approximately 55km of the Bellinger River. Main threats to this species are past disease associated with the Bellinger River Virus, predation by foxes, and poor water quality.
A total of thirty-five healthy BRST were removed from the river by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPIE) and are now part of a captive breeding program at Taronga Zoo and Symbio Wildlife Park. The offspring from this program are part of a release program in the Bellinger River.
Following the turtle mortality event in 2015, Sue Lennox from OzGREEN made contact with the then Office of Environment and Heritage to establish a citizen science water quality monitoring program, and from this, Bellingen Riverwatch was born.
The data we collect through Bellingen Riverwatch is available for use by our partners to inform management decisions towards the survival of this species.
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Please direct all enquiries about our water quality monitoring program to:
Sam Daykin
Bellingen Riverwatch WQM Program Coordinator
sam@ozgreen.org.au
0447 949 259 (Mon-Thurs)
Please direct all other enquiries to:
Amy Denshire
Bellingen Riverwatch Program Manager
amy@ozgreen.org.au
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Subscribe to the OzGREEN Newsletter at www.ozgreen.org/subscribe
Questions about our Volunteers
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These rivers are unique and very healthy. Long term data collection is an important part of protecting pristine rivers.
We are looking to continue Bellingen Riverwatch into the long term and need many dedicated community volunteers to help make this happen!
We strive to be a best practice program and work hard to ensure our volunteers feel supported and acknowledged.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, we would love to hear from you.
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Bellingen Riverwatch engages over 60 local community volunteers.
Our volunteers have worked dedicatedly together since 2017 to collect and upload data to help protect our rivers and all of the species that call them home. -
We have 7 Bellingen Riverwatch volunteering roles:
Macro Helper Volunteers
Macro Tester Volunteers
Riparian Program Volunteers
River Ambassador Volunteers
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“I’ve loved sharing the information I learnt with my children, and watching them learn, asking questions, and playing an active part in it. I’ve loved learning from the team and seeing their passion and enthusiasm around the project. I’d definitely recommend citizen science to anyone. It’s educational, inspiring... It’s a way to help.”
- Skye Condon, Roving WQM Volunteer
Questions about our Impact
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Bellingen Riverwatch plays a part in securing the future of the critically endangered BRST, and other threatened species that rely on the rivers of the Bellinger and Kalang catchments.
We create data report legacy pieces to influence policy and decision making, and educate the community, now and into the future.
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We run awareness-raising activities to help protect our rivers, such as :
social media campaigns
information stalls
community surveys
presentations at festivals
print media campaigns
create and distribute online resources
Staff and volunteers work together on events and campaigns to spread key messages that help protect the rivers, of the Bellinger and Kalang catchments.
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Bellingen Riverwatch parnters have published a paper in the …
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Australian Citizen Science Association Conference, 2020
NSW Waterwatch Conference, 2021
International River Health Symposium, 2021
Australian Citizen Science Association Conference, 2022
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Our data has contributed to :
Site selection for Bellingen Riverwatch riparian works, 2020 + 2022
Bellingen Shire Council Coastal Management Program Scoping Study, 2021
Site selection for Local Land Services river restoration works, 2021
Bellingen Shire Council Water Quality Monitoring Plan, 2022
NSW Government Water Sciences Flooding Recovery Project Site Selection, 2023
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As at 20 Feb 2024 :
21K website users in 2023
15.5K WQM Map views
7.6K Macro Map views
1K Facebook followers
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Projects we have worked with include:
Woolgoolga Lake Group
Revive Cathie Group
Questions about the four areas of concern
Figure 1 - Four main areas of concern from Bellingen Riverwatch data (July 2017 to June 2022).
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There are four areas of concern that the Steering Committee would like to highlight from analysis of Bellingen Riverwatch data (July 2017 to June 2022) :
Upper Bellinger River (B1, B2, B2.1, B3, B3.1)
Summervilles Road (B5.1)
Caratti Creek (B7.1)
Spicketts Creek (S1)
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In the upper Bellinger River sites (B1, B2, B2.1, B3, B3.1), water quality across the parameters is generally excellent. One anomaly we have found is around elevated available phosphate levels at B2.1, which is also influencing B2. Our partners have been intrigued by these results for many years. As the area is currently forested, past agriculture practices and/or poorly managed onsite management systems could be a likely cause of these poorer results, as could the underlying geological conditions of this area which may have a higher phosphorus content affecting the stream.
These phosphate levels seem to also be affecting dissolved oxygen too. Often if nutrient like phosphate is found in the water, some oxygen levels can be affected by eutrophication, as well as the decomposition of organic matter. Also in this case, B2.1 could have some groundwater intrusion which is causing some iron-precipitate to affect the stream, which can pull oxygen from the water. We recommend that funding be sought for further investigation into origins of high phosphorus at this site.
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In the mid Bellinger, there are turbidity issues presenting since the high rainfall events from May 2021 at B5.1 (Summervilles Road), most likely due to runoff and bank erosion issues upstream of this site.
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Samples collected at Caratti Creek (B7.1) often showed elevated levels of phosphate and turbidity and lower levels of dissolved oxygen. Turbidity caused by soil erosion and algal growth among other things is often related to urbanised streams that experience high amounts of stormwater. Further investigation is needed to determine potential sources.
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The S1 site (Spicketts Creek) has continually presented with issues over our five years of data. S1 has dispersed soil types once the riverbed is degraded at a certain level. We recommend that further funding be sought for investigation into the cause of these continuing poor water quality results.
Questions about School Workshops
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Yes!
Bellingen Riverwatch staff and volunteers run macroinvertebrate monitoring and river health workshops in schools.These workshops can be in-school or nature-immersive events by the river.
Read more at ozgreen.org/for-schools -
Wherever possible, Bellingen Riverwatch hosts its events, and particularly its’ school workshops, outdoors to foster student connection with nature.
We understand the power of spending time in nature, both for our wellbeing, and to foster environmental stewardship.
People first need to fall in love with the environment to then be able to hear the call-to-action to protect it.
Questions about our Macroinvertebrate program
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Freshwater macroinvertebrates (or waterbugs) are small invertebrates that live in freshwater and can be seen with the naked eye or a hand magnifier. These include juvenile stages of many insects like dragonflies, damselflies, mayflies, caddisflies, water beetles, and more.
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Our Macro Program began in 2021, at the request of Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (BRST) recovery scientists.
This data brings a more holistic understanding of river health and will help scientists to track the populations of macroinvertebrates, which form an important part of the diet of the turtle.
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Ongoing water quality data is important for monitoring the rivers’ health, identifying priority areas for management actions and educating the community on how to reduce the impact they may be having on their environment.
Each type of macroinvertebrate (waterbug) has a certain sensitivity to pollution or water quality changes in their waterway. So, the type and number of bugs found in a waterway, can tell you how healthy it is.Our macroinvertebrate monitoring program was requested to be added to our program by Bellinger River Turtle Snapping (BRST) recovery scientists.
“The ongoing recovery of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle in the Bellinger Catchment is linked directly to the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities of the catchment’s rivers.
Not only are aquatic macroinvertebrates an important component of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle diet, the macroinvertebrate communities are sensitive to changes in water quality and will, therefore, be an important indicator of river health into the future.”
- Shane Ruming, Saving our Species, Department of Planning & Environment. -
Our volunteers monitor 6 sites for macroinvertebrates biannually.
See :
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Our volunteers have undertaken a total of 28 tests over five rounds (as at 20 Feb 2024) :
Muster 1 - 6 sitesMuster 2 - 5 sites
Muster 3 - 5 sites
Muster 4 - 6 sites
Muster 5 - 6 sites
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These high rainfall events and stream flooding increase the velocity of streams which can have many effects on aquatic invertebrates both directly and indirectly through changes to habitat and or water quality. This can include stream bed scouring which can remove organisms or force them to seek refuge among substrates or in the drift.
Numerous studies have shown that floods reduce aquatic invertebrate abundances and diversity, although the threshold flows at which this occurs is not well studied. However, the recovery of aquatic invertebrates from most flood events is relatively rapid and can persist even in very flood-prone streams.
Aquatic macroinvertebrates are an important part of the diet of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle. In particular, Helicophidae + Calcodiae.
Questions about our Steering Committee
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Our steering committee is comprised of 14 representatives from 8 organisations who come together to oversee and guide the direction for the program. Our Steering Committee brings together partners with expertise in the areas of ecology, invertebrate taxonomy, citizen science project design, land management, monitoring and evaluation, aquatic ecology, water quality monitoring and community development.
The breadth of project partners reflects the importance placed on working together collaboratively with key stakeholders who have a role to play in catchment health and biodiversity. This partnership approach allows us to access the expertise and available resources of a strong group of organisations and individuals.
Our partners have worked dedicatedly together since 2017 to refine the program, and synthesise and share our data to influence policy and river and species management.
Steering Committee Members
Adrian Dickson, DCCEEW*
Andrew Yager, Bellinger Landcare
Anton Juodvalkis, OzGREEN
Anna Juodvalkis, OzGREEN
Chris Ormond, DCCEEW*
Andy Vinter, North Coast Local Land Services
Daniel Cain, DCCEEW*
Justine Elder (BSC**)
Ingrid Garland, Apex Enviro Solutions
John Schmidt, DCCEEW*
Melissa Giese, DCCEEW*
Nakia Belmer, DCCEEW*
Shane Ruming, DCCEEW*
Sue Lennox, OzGREEN.
Contacting the Steering Committee
Please direct all enquiries for the Bellingen Riverwatch Steering Committee to the Bellingen Riverwatch Program Manager on amy@ozgreen.org.au. The Steering Committee meets annually with with regular program-specific meetings as needed.
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Steering Committee Alumni
Alicia Scanlon, Ecological Australia
Amanda Carter, BSC
Emily Rayner, DPE
Geetha Ortac, Project Checkpoint
Gerry McGilvray, DPE
Glen Pereira, BSC
Kristen Petrov, Western Sydney University
Peter Scanlon, DPE
Phil Pisanu, North Coast Local Land services
Ricky Spencer, Western Sydney University
Sandy Eager, Bellinger Landcare
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BR aims to be a best practice river health citizen science program. We have structured our program objectives in alignment with the Australian Citizen Science Association’s ‘10 Principles of Citizen Science’:
Ensure that Bellingen Riverwatch has a genuine science outcome.
Consider and control for assumptions, limitations and biases.
Take into account legal and ethical considerations of the program.
Contribute positively to both science and society.
Host science activities that build knowledge/skills to support river health.
Give our citizen scientists feedback from the program
Support our citizen scientists to feel valued and acknowledged
Provide opportunities for citizen scientists to participate in the scientific process.
Make program data and meta-data publicly available and accessible.
Acknowledge program benefits and outcomes in program evaluation.
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FY2324 Platinum & Gold Partners
NSW Department of Planning and Environment
NSW Saving its’ Species Program
Bellingen Shire Council
Arborgreen
Vendart Diagnostics
Community & Supporting Partners
Apex Enviro Solultions
Bellingen High School
Bellinger Landcare
Chrysalis Steiner School
Manning River Turtle Group
National Waterbug Blitz
North Coast Local Land Services
NSW Waterwatch
Orama Public School
Raleigh Public School
Repton Public School
Symbio Wildlife Park
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Partner Alumni
ANZ
Billabong Zoo
Healthy North Coast
John T Reid Trust
Revive Cathie Group
Sustainable Earth Projects
Vincent Fairfax Foundation
Western Sydney University
Woolgoolga Lake Group
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We urge philanthropic and government organisations, corporates and businesses to support Bellingen Riverwatch to continue our important work.
Please direct all partnership or sponsorship enquires to:
Anna JuodvalkisPartnerships Manager
anna@ozgreen.org.au
02 5615 8108
Questions about our Riverbank Restoration program
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Our Riverbank Program launched in June 2023, where we supported students from Orama Public School and Repton Public School to plant 300 trees on the riverbank in Thora.
In April 2024, we are launching an to launch a second project at Lavenders Bridge (site B7).
We are currently seeking partners to help us expand our Riverbank Program. -
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We would like to work on each site for a minimum of three years.
Questions about our Water Quality Monitoring program
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Our Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) program is the largest water quality monitoring program in NSW.
It sees community members, school and partners working together to test monthly water quality data, rain, hail or shine for the past five years.
Data is shared to inform river management actions and support the recovery of the Bellingen River Snapping Turtle and other threatened species.Our Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) program has been going strong for four and a half years with the incredible collective efforts of sixty volunteers and five schools.
The WQM program involves 40 active volunteers and 14 steering committee partners who work together to test and interpret water quality data for the Bellinger and Kalang catchments at 20 sites monthly.
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Ongoing water quality data is important for monitoring the rivers’ health, identifying priority areas for management actions and educating the community on how to reduce the impact they may be having on their environment.
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Our volunteers monitor 20 sites for water quality monthly.
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Our volunteers have undertaken 8904 tests over the last six years (as at 30 June 2023).
Questions about the Bellinger River Snapping turtle
Image : Shane Ruming
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Bellingen Riverwatch is an important part of a much bigger picture of river restoration and species recovery currently underway for the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (BRST).
The DPE Saving our Species (SoS) program is undertaking a series of actions to conserve the BRST.
Actions funded by SoS includes:
Research into the Bellinger River Virus by the Department of Primary Industries.
Captive breeding and assurance populations housed at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh.
Biannual surveys to estimate population size, health of turtles and population dynamics.
A trial release program to test release of captive-bred BRST into the Bellinger River to supplement the population.
Genetics research.
Riparian restoration program in the Upper Bellinger River to benefit the turtles through improving river health.
Contributes to coordination and scientific validation of the Bellinger Riverwatch program.
PhD student, Kristen Petrov, from Western Sydney University is also currently undertaking studies on BRST.
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Updates from the NSW Government and its Saving our Species program.
The mass mortality event
The Bellinger River snapping turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) was listed as Critically Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 after a virus, now known as the Bellinger River virus, caused mass mortality of the turtles in early 2015.
An estimated 90% of the population was wiped out in just 6 weeks. This turtle is only found in a 60km stretch of the Bellinger River in Northern NSW.
The captive breeding program
A rapid response by the NSW Government and partners during the virus outbreak had 17 healthy turtles placed into a captive breeding program managed by Taronga Zoo. The turtles are breeding, and the program has since expanded to include Symbio Wildlife Park.
Since 2018, the NSW Government has managed the trial release and monitoring of 82 captive-bred juvenile Bellinger River Snapping Turtles. Without this, the species is likely to become extinct in the wild.
Regular monitoringThe NSW Government’s Saving our Species program has undertaken regular surveys in the Bellinger River since the disease outbreak in 2015. There has also been a small number of surveys in the Kalang River over this time. The objectives of the surveys are to monitor long-term trends in the abundance and population structure of both the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and Macquarie turtle (Emydura macquarii) and their hybrids and to assess individual turtle health.
Radio transmitters are attached to some of the released turtles to assist with locating them during monitoring. The aim is to find out what happens to the captive-bred turtles after being released, if they have survived and if they are adapting in the wild. The transmitters also allow for the recapture of the released animals to measure their growth rate, determine their body condition, and check their general health and exposure to the virus.
Lessons from the release are informing the recovery program and any future releases of Bellinger River Snapping Turtles back into the wild.
30 survey sites
8 Major turtle surveys conducted since 2015
200 wild turtle population left in the river (Mar 2022)
Prior to mass mortality, population estimates from the Bellinger ranged between 2,200 and 4,500.
Investigation into the virus continues
There is still much that is unknown about this species and the virus that caused the mass mortality in 2015.
Research is being undertaken by the
NSW Government and partners to determine how the virus is transmitted, what might make this species susceptible to the virus and if the virus is still present in the river system.
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The current BRST population is estimated to be less than 200 individuals and predominantly juveniles.
In 2005 the population was estimated between 3100-5900 individuals. After abnormal rainfall conditions and historically low river levels the population declined and in early 2015 (prior to the mortality event) was estimated between 1,600 – 4500 individuals.
The BRST is currently listed as Critically Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. -
The Bellingen River Snapping Turtle is found in only one place on earth - a 55 kilometre stretch of the Bellinger River on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
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The main threats to the BRST include predation by foxes, poor water quality, and the past virus outbreak. The macro invertebrates that this species like to eat (caddisfly larvae) require particularly high levels of oxygen.
Turtle nesting sites can be found on river banks in areas of sand and fine gravel. Turtle nests are often at risk from fox and goanna predation. -
BRST feed on macroinvertebrates, terrestrial fruit and aquatic vegetation. They obtain a high proportion of their diet from benthic macro-invertebrate communities.
As juveniles, they have strong leniencies towards carnivorous diets, while as adults they are omnivorous, commonly consuming caddisfly larvae, pyralidae larvae (moth larvae), ribbon weed and algae.
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BRST should not be confused with the non-native short-necked turtle Emydura Macquarii which also inhabits the Bellinger River.
Distinctive features on BRST include a yellow stripe from the angle of the jaws, as well as distinct ‘bar-bells’ on the chin.
Subscribe to our Newsletter to access our library of free resources, including an infosheet on how to identify the four turtles of the Bellinger and Kalang rivers. -
The Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) is a species of short-necked freshwater turtle in the family Chelidae and is iconic to the Bellinger River, NSW.
Previously known as Elseya georgesi, the BRST was first observed by John Cann in 1971.