Celebrate World Oceans Day with turtle ID guide

A field guide to Queensland’s marine turtles is helping land and sea rangers identify turtle species, tracks and predators while doing turtle monitoring and is online for all to use.

Queensland Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said World Oceans Day, (Today), was a great reminder to appreciate the biodiversity of our oceans and celebrate the great work being done to protect species such as marine turtles.

“The 30-page Queensland Marine Turtle Field Guide was developed as part of the $7 million Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments,” Dr Miles said.

“The guide contains identification keys, photographs, diagrams, survey tips and details of the six species of marine turtles that visit Queensland beaches.

“It also provides valuable information about predators like foxes, dogs and feral pigs and will help show where predator control is most needed.”

Dr Miles said the guide was available to land and sea rangers as a printed weatherproof booklet, and electronically at www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/pdf/marine-turtle-field-guide.pdf.

“It’s going to be a hit with everyone who loves marine wildlife – there is so much fascinating information in there, and it’s presented in a very easy-to-use format.

“Six species of marine turtles nest on Queensland shores: greens, loggerheads, flatbacks, olive ridleys, leatherbacks and hawksbills. All are threatened species, with predation by pigs and other animals one of the most serious threats.

“The Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program supports predator control and turtle monitoring at priority nesting beaches. It also assists Traditional Owner and community groups to increase their participation in these important activities.

“The program is now into its third round of funding, with projects in round 1 and 2 showing great results for predator control and turtle nest survival,” he said.

More information: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/managing/pest-plants-animals/nest-ocean-turtle-protection-program.html

ENDS

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