As soon as Bitten, Twice Shy – Turtle Safety Undertaking

As soon as Bitten, Twice Shy: A Smarter Method to Defend Australia’s Freshwater Turtles

Defending wildlife doesn’t cease at rescue. It additionally means investing in modern options that stop hurt earlier than it occurs.

WIRES is proud to assist the freshwater turtle conservation challenge “As soon as Bitten, Twice Shy” by means of our Nationwide Grants Program (NGP). Led by Dr Pizzatto from La Trobe College, and delivered in partnership with WULN, Turtles Albury Wodonga, and area people teams. The challenge is already delivering exceptional outcomes throughout Victoria and can conclude In Might.

Why this challenge issues

Freshwater turtles are below severe menace within the Murray River Basin. Launched predators, notably foxes, are devastating turtle populations by concentrating on their nests.

• Foxes destroy greater than 90% of turtle nests in lots of areas
• Japanese long-neck turtle numbers have declined by almost 70% in some areas
• Two of the three native turtle species at the moment are listed as threatened

These losses have far-reaching penalties. Freshwater turtles play a important position in sustaining wholesome waterways by recycling vitamins and maintaining ecosystems balanced. Additionally they maintain deep cultural significance for First Nations communities, connecting folks to Nation, waterways and long-held ecological data.

With out intervention, native turtle populations face continued decline — and in some areas, potential collapse.

A wise, science-backed resolution

Slightly than relying solely on bodily nest safety, the “As soon as Bitten, Twice Shy” challenge is trialing an modern behavioural method often called conditioned style aversion.

In easy phrases, foxes are taught to affiliate turtle eggs with an disagreeable expertise. As soon as they be taught this, they actively keep away from turtle nests altogether — lowering predation earlier than it occurs.

Outcomes that talk for themselves

The early outcomes have been nothing wanting spectacular:

• Nest predation dropped from 91% to only 10% inside two weeks at one trial web site
• Predation charges remained low all through the nesting season in handled areas
• Foxes realized to keep away from all turtle eggs, not simply these used within the trial

This implies fewer destroyed nests, greater hatchling survival, and an actual probability for turtle populations to get better over time.

Empowering communities to guard wildlife

A key energy of this challenge is its robust group involvement. Native volunteers and citizen scientists at the moment are actively monitoring and defending turtle nests, serving to to construct long-term conservation capability inside their communities.

By combining scientific innovation with native data and on-ground motion, the challenge is creating lasting change — not only for turtles, however for the individuals who care for his or her native surroundings.

Supporting wildlife past rescue

WIRES’ Nationwide Grants Program (NGP) was developed to supply ongoing assist for wildlife and their habitats throughout Australia. This system focuses on:

• Greatest-practice wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
• Rising emergency preparedness for wildlife
• Supporting native species restoration initiatives

Collectively, these initiatives assist enhance long-term outcomes for Australia’s wildlife and the ecosystems they rely on.

Have a challenge that might make a distinction?

For those who’re engaged on a challenge geared toward enhancing outcomes for native wildlife, we’d love to listen to from you.

Purposes for the 2026 Nationwide Grants Program will open quickly.

To be taught extra, go to the WIRES Nationwide Grants Program web page.