<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-20/aboriginal-rangers-fight-to-restore-freshwater-turtles-murray/105148692>
'When Ngarrindjeri woman Lucy Sumner was growing up on the River Murray,
turtles were everywhere.
Wherever she went as a young girl, the animals which she had learnt about
through Creation stories could be seen "poking their little heads out" of the
river.
Today, freshwater turtle populations are in serious trouble.
The species, known as the vacuum cleaners of the river due to the crucial role
they play in protecting the ecosystem, has declined by 91 per cent in 40 years,
according to scientific research.
For First Nations people of the River Murray and Lower Lakes, the turtle also
carries important cultural significance, Ms Sumner said.
"I fell in love with turtles when I was a little kid, they are cherished as a
mystical and wise creature," she said.
"But now it's really sad, you go near a little creek or waterways and you don't
see turtles."
It's why the senior ranger at the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal
Corporation has joined forces with a team of other Indigenous rangers and
environmental experts to create South Australia's first management strategy to
conserve the species for future generations.
"I want the kids to have the experience to interact with them," Ms Sumner said.
The River Murray is home to three freshwater species including the Murray
short-necked turtle, the eastern long-necked turtle and the broad-shelled
turtle.
In South Australia's Riverland region, the turtles also reside at Lake Bonney,
which is known by its Aboriginal name Barmera — meaning place of large water.'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
