Turtles and flows: water requirements of the Bell’s turtle (Myuchelys belli)

The Bell’s turtle occurs in the upper reaches of the Border Rivers, Gwydir and Namoi catchments. The species prefers deeper pools with shallow flowing sections between them. Recent research from the University of New England has shown that hatchling Bell’s occupy shallow vegetated margins of pools and used low flow conditions to move upstream and downstream to new pool habitats. Hatchlings leave the nest and the stream between late January and late March, which makes this period important for dispersal of this fragile life stage.

We have used this research, in combination with targeted hydrological analysis to develop some key water requirements for this species for all water sources where the species occurs. This information is intended to help the department make water management decisions that consider the environmental water requirements of this endangered species in the relevant water sharing plans.