New tracking program for Aussie turtle
11 Nov 2004
NORTHERN TERRITORY: New satellite tracking study by WWF-Australia and the Lianthawirriyarra Sea Rangers commences on Australia's only species of endemic sea turtle; the vulnerable classified flatback turtle.
WWF is working in conjunction with the Indigenous Lianthawirriyarra Sea Rangers, based in Borroloola, on a new study which will track the migratory paths of three female flatback turtles. The study will track the turtles from their nesting beaches on the Sir Edward Pellew Islands in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria to their currently unknown feeding grounds.
The satellite transmitters were deployed mid October and are all providing good locations daily. All three turtles have renested and appear to be heading to their home feeding grounds where they'll remain until returning to this same island in the next one to four years.
Flatback turtles can lay up to four clutches of eggs in a season. This study will investigate the turtle's movements offshore from their nesting beach and determine how they make use of different habitat and depths. It will also show the areas that are important to flatback turtles and determine what threats are likely to impact on them in these areas.
"Satellite tracking not only provides a tool for learning about the biology of the turtles, but provokes interest within the local community and amongst those people helping with the research." Dr Scott Whiting said. "Everyone is excited about finding out where the turtles go."
The study has been launched to provide new information about the flatback turtle, which is one of the least studied turtle species in Australia. To effectively manage any animal, a basic understanding of their biology, local movements, range, habitat use and behaviour is needed. The turtles progress can be viewed on the internet at www.seaturtle.org
For further information:
Dr Scott Whiting, WWF-Australia, 08 8941 7554, swhiting@wwf.org.au,
Felicity Chapman, Mabunji Resource Association, 08 8975 8783,
Virginia Dew, WWF Press Office ph (02) 82021290
