PERTH HEAT HITS TURTLES HARD

Recent extreme weather conditions have had an impact on Perth's turtle population, according to the Conservation Department.

In recent weeks, the department has been inundated with reports of sick turtles in and around lakes.

While the warm weather has affected local turtles and in particular the common oblong turtle species that lives in city areas, the DEC has urged people not to interfere with the animals.

DEC wildlife officer Matthew Swan said oblong turtles were quite resilient and able to adapt to extreme weather conditions by burying themselves or searching for other wetlands.

“The ability to go into a sleep-like state to survive during long hot summers when water disappears is known as aestivation and this involves burying themselves in mud or under leaves or logs to conserve body fluids until conditions improve,” he said.

“If people aren’t familiar with seeing turtles behave in this way, they may think that the animal is struggling and pick them up, and in some instances even take them home.

“We strongly urge people to refrain from handling or disturbing turtles buried in the mud.”

Mr Swan acknowledged there may be cases in which turtles were actually sick or in search of water but said this should not be confused with female turtles seeking areas in which to nest.

He said the department was also aware of several turtle deaths which occurred at Jackadder Lake in Woodlands and Bluegum Lake in Mount Pleasant over the past two months and were investigating the matter.

As a native species, the oblong turtle is protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act and cannot be collected from wetlands to take home and be kept as pets.

Anyone who finds a turtle they believe is sick or injured should contact the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 for advice.