The Uungguu Rangers donned snorkeling gear and braved crocodile infested waters to collect information on the freshwater turtle.
The project, at the King Edward River in August, was focused on the breeding cycle of freshwater turtles.
Rangers caught the turtles by hand before using a scope to examine the turtle’s reproductive organs, determine if it was carrying eggs and, if so, when they were likely to hatch.
Checking turtle breeding patterns has the dual effect of informing researchers whether it is going to be a good season for turtle breeding while also gauging the health of the river.
Freshwater turtle monitoring occurs each year and also involves the gathering of research on the size, health and age of turtle eggs.
The research field trip showed turtle numbers were healthy and consistent with previous years.
MEANWHILE a five-day survey to test the health of waterways in the King Edward River, was also led by the Uungguu Rangers.
The Rangers, along with freshwater researchers, caught, examined and measured fish species, to determine if they, and consequently, the river were healthy.
The tests all came back clear to reveal the King Edward River is in perfect health and home to many species of fish.
