We’re thrilled to share some incredible news about the groundbreaking turtle conservation project led by Dr Lígia Pizzatto from La Trobe University, in partnership with WULN, Turtles Albury Wodonga and other community groups from across NE Victoria!
The problem
Our freshwater turtles are in crisis. Foxes destroy more than 90% of turtle nests in the Murray River Basin, meaning turtle populations are almost entirely ageing adults with virtually no juveniles surviving. In some areas, Eastern longneck turtle numbers have declined by nearly 70%. Two of our three Murray River Basin turtle species are now listed as threatened.
Our freshwater turtles are often overlooked – yet they’re critical for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health, and hold deep cultural significance for First Nations communities.
The innovative solution
Since May, we’ve been testing something new – teaching foxes to avoid eating turtle eggs through conditioned taste aversion. This technique is not replacing traditional fox control methods like shooting, trapping, and poisoning. Instead, it’s a valuable supplementary tool that adds to the range of fox management options, particularly useful in urban areas where traditional methods can’t be employed and for targeted protection of threatened turtle nests.
The results are phenomenal
🔹 At Mullinmur Billabong near Wangaratta, egg predation reduced from 91% to just 10% in TWO WEEKS
🔹 In conditioned areas, predation stayed low at 26-32% throughout the season
🔹 In control areas (no conditioning), predation actually increased by 39%
🔹 Foxes avoided ALL types of eggs, not just the treated ones proving we can teach foxes not to eat Turtle eggs!
Community power
Over 20 citizen scientists are now trained and actively participating in our spring experiments, monitoring real turtle nests during the main nesting season. This isn’t just research – it’s building capacity for our community to continue protecting our turtles long-term. This could reverse decades of decline and help our ancient turtles recover!
Learn more about the project: wodongalandcare.org.au/once-bitten-twice-shy
Huge thanks to Dr Lígia Pizzatto, all the amazing volunteers, Traditional Owners, and WIRES for funding this vital work!