A New Virus Might Be The Cause Of The Death Of Bellinger River Snapping Turtles
A new virus was detected by the Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute and they believe this could be the cause of the death of 350 Myuchelys georgesi. The virus Struck the region earlier this year and killed a lot of turtles. After other potential causes had been eliminated the innovative research led to the discovery of that virus. “Initial testing by a number of Australian laboratories for a wide range of infections and toxic agents was undertaken with no confirmed diagnosis, however, based on water sampling, contamination from pesticides or hydrocarbons was able to be ruled out early on” said virologist Dr Kirkland. Further research needs to be conducted to save the species and to asses whether the virus is still present in the river.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
12,026 green turtle nests at Archie Carr refuge in 2015, a new record while two months are still left in their nesting season
Terengganu, Malaysia wants to get its former glory as a world famous turtle landing location
Ecology
Urbanizing a beach in Cyprus might jeopardize local sea turtles
He used to eat Hawksbill turtles, now he strives to protect them
Turtles are being relocated as Bedford lake is dredged
Miscellaneous
40-pound tortoise escaped from home again while a lady found another one in her backyard.
Check out Leona’s tracking map. A loggerhead turtle that was released back to the sea in December
Turtle crossing signs are making a difference in Innisfil , Canada
Help naming that Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle by voting in this survey
For the past three years, Olen Burch took the eggs off a dead snapping turtle and hatched them in his backyard
Did You Know…
Myuchelys georgesi underwent a crisis after a mysterious virus killed more than 300 turtles. This species only exists in a 25-kilometer stretch of the Bellinger River.
Question or Concerns? Want to submit an article to get posted? Email us at [email protected].
Photo from Coffs coast
