What is TurtleWatch ACT?
TurtleWatch ACT is a citizen science project dedicated to monitoring the Eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) in the ACT. These turtles face increasing threats from habitat loss, road collisions, and predators like foxes. By studying their populations and protecting nests, we aim to support their long-term survival.
TurtleWatch activities
Turtle Sampling: Our volunteers help track turtle populations in Canberra’s wetlands and waterways. We use safe trapping methods to conduct a capture-mark-recapture study – recording each turtle’s size, weight, and sex, before marking it and releasing it back where it was found. By sampling individuals over time, we can estimate population size, age structure, and sex ratios.
Nest Protection: Each nesting season (November–December), volunteers search for turtle nests along wetlands and creeks. To protect eggs from predators like foxes, we install protective mesh over the nests and monitor their incubation. Hatchlings typically emerge in April, and we assist in safely releasing them into their aquatic habitat.
Get Involved!
Would you like to help protect Canberra’s turtles? TurtleWatch volunteers get hands-on experience in the field during spring and summer, assisting with turtle monitoring, nest protection, and data collection. Training is provided.
Interested? Contact our Turtle Project Officer Bruno Ferronato at 02 6278 3309 or turtles@ginninderralandcare.org.au.
Our Turtle Projects
Current Project
- TurtleWatch ACT Season 1 (ACT Environment Grant 2024-25)
- TurtleWatch ACT Season 2 (Ginninderry Sponsorship Program, ACT Herpetological Association, Wettenhall Environment Trust; 2025-26)
Past Projects
- Turtles in the Sanctuary (ACT Environment Grant 2022-23)
- Turtles Nesting in the City (ACT Environment Grant 2021-22)
- ACT Frogs and Turtles: Colonisation and Survival in Urban Wetlands (Communities Environment Program 2020-21, Conservation Research Branch: ACT Government 2021-22)
Resources
- Report Sightings: Log your turtle sightings on Canberra NatureMapr or TurtleSAT.
- Research: Explore Turtle Project Officer Bruno Ferronato’s research related to the Eastern long-necked turtle on ResearchGate.
Awards
June 2026: Winner of the ACT Environmental Protection Award
We’re very proud that our TurtleWatch ACT project received the 2026 ACT Environmental Protection Award, presented by the Conservation Council ACT Region. This award is a wonderful recognition of the dedication of TurtleWatch’s volunteers, partners and supporters, and of Bruno’s years of hard work, expertise and commitment to turtle conservation in Canberra. Find out more
Our Partners
TurtleWatch ACT is a collaborative project between Ginninderra Catchment Group, the University of Canberra, and the ACT Government. We are grateful for funding support from the ACT Government, Australian Government, Ginninderry Sponsorship Program, ACT Herpetological Association, and Wettenhall Environment Trust.
If you or your organisation are interested in offering funding to help keep the TurtleWatch project going, please contact our Turtle Project Officer Bruno Ferronato at 02 6278 3309 or turtles@ginninderralandcare.org.au.