Words: Sarah Ansell

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Spot a Turtle? Help Protect Them with TurtleSAT

Have you seen a turtle crossing the road, basking by the river, or digging a nest in your local park? Those moments are more than just a lucky sighting – they’re a chance to help protect our much-loved freshwater turtles.

Here on the Fleurieu, the Long-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) and the Short-necked Turtle (Emydura macquarii) are our most common species. Sadly, their numbers are dropping due to habitat loss, predators, and road traffic. But together, we can make a difference.

That’s where TurtleSAT comes in. TurtleSAT is a free citizen science tool where anyone can record turtle sightings. It’s simple to use – just jump online at www.turtlesat.org.au or download the app, and log what you’ve seen. Every record, whether it’s one turtle or many, helps researchers and land managers understand where turtles are living, nesting, and facing challenges.

By sharing your observations, you’re adding to a big picture of turtle movements across South Australia. This information helps guide conservation efforts, protect nests, and care for the waterways that turtles – and we – depend on.

So next time you spot a turtle, take a moment to record it. It’s an easy way to care for nature and make sure these ancient creatures are around for future generations to enjoy.

Need help to install the app? Pop into the Strathalbyn Natural Resource Centre and we would be happy to help!

Second Nature are a not-for-profit environmental organisation based in Strathalbyn. To learn more about what we do, visit www.secondnature.org.au