Project Details
Description
Wetlands in Australia’s wet-dry tropics are facing major degradation from feral water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). In the Arafura Swamp catchment in northeast Arnhem Land, NT buffalo numbers are rising. Most studies of buffalo impacts have focused on aquatic vegetation and soil erosion as opposed to native fauna. The northern long-necked turtle (Chelodina rugosa) is a potentially negatively impacted native species in the area due to behavioural and ecological characteristics that may increase it vulnerability to buffalo disturbance. Negative impacts of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) on C. rugosa in the NT have been well documented but in our study region, with lower pig numbers and high buffalo numbers, knowledge of buffalo impacts is lacking. This study will investigate the characteristics of C. rugosa aestivation, nesting, diet and populations and the interactions of these characteristics with direct and indirect buffalo impacts.
Short title | Northern long-necked turtle (Chelodina rugosa) in the Arafura |
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Status | Finished |
Effective start/end date | 16/08/23 → 31/08/24 |
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