Depredation of eggs of threatened freshwater turtles by the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus (Shaw, 1792))
Kymberly J. Robinson
A * , Duncan J. Limpus B , Brad Crosbie C , Colin J. Limpus B and Larelle D. Fabbro A
A
B
C
Abstract
The echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is documented as a new native predator of freshwater turtle eggs, particularly those of the vulnerable Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops), and the critically endangered white-throated snapping turtle (Elseya albagula). This depredation has been identified in the Fitzroy, Burnett and Mary Catchments with echidnas recorded at traditional turtle nesting banks using direct observation of depredation of eggs, remote camera footage and identification of tracks. Echidnas were observed at traditional nesting banks for E. albagula and R. leukops nesting across eight months of the year. The presence of echidnas was more frequent during the R. leukops nesting season in spring. R. leukops is endemic to the Fitzroy Catchment and the depredation rate of eggs was significantly higher than for other species and catchments. The mean top egg depth of R. leukops nests was found to be the same depth as the echidna’s beak length. There was a significant increase in depredation during the five-year study period, with 47.4% of R. leukops clutches depredated by echidna in the 2022 season. This substantial loss of eggs and recruitment of hatchling turtles poses a significant threat to the populations of this threatened species.
Keywords: Burnett River, critically endangered, depredation, echidna, eggs, Elseya albagula, Fitzroy River, freshwater, Mary River, nest, Rheodytes leukops, turtle, vulnerable.
References
Abensperg-Traun M, Dickman CR, Boer ESD (1991) Patch use and prey defence in a mammalian myrmecophage, the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) (Monotremata: Tachyglossidae): a test of foraging efficiency in captive and free-ranging animals. Journal of Zoology 225, 481-493.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Campbell MA, Connell MJ, Collett SJ, Udyawer V, Crewe TL, McDougall A, Campbell HA (2020) The efficacy of protecting turtle nests as a conservation strategy to reverse population decline. Biological Conservation 251, 108769.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Chessman BC (2021) Introduced red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) driving Australian freshwater turtles to extinction? A critical evaluation of the evidence. Pacific Conservation Biology 28(6), 462-471.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Dawson SJ, Crawford HM, Huston RM, Adams PJ, Fleming PA (2016) How to catch red foxes red handed: identifying predation of freshwater turtles and nests. Wildlife Research 43, 615-622.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Hamann M, Schäuble CS, Emerick SP, Limpus DJ, Limpus CJ (2008) Freshwater turtle populations in the Burnett River. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 52(2), 221-232.
| Google Scholar |
Legler JM, Cann J (1980) A new genus and species of chelid turtle from Queensland, Australia. Contributions in Science 324, 1-18.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Limpus CJ, Limpus DJ, Parmenter CJ, Hodge J, Forect M, McLachlan J (2011) The biology and management strategies for freshwater turtles in the Fitzroy catchment, with a particular emphasis on Elseya albagula and Rheodytes leukops: a study initiated in response to the proposed construction of Rookwood Weir and the raising of Eden Bann Weir. Report. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
Nicol SC (2022) Diet, feeding behaviour and echidna beaks: a review of functional relationships within the tachyglossids. Australian Mammalogy 44(1), 39-50.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Sprent J, Nicol SC (2012) Influence of habitat on home-range size in the short-beaked echidna. Australian Journal of Zoology 60, 46-53.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Stannard HJ, Bekkers JM, Old JM, McAllan BM, Shaw ME (2017) Digestibility of a new diet for captive short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Zoo Biology 36, 56-61.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Thompson MB (1983) Populations of the Murray River Tortoise, Emydura (Chelodina): the effect of egg predation by the red fox, Vulpes vulpes. Australian Wildlife Research 10, 363-371.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Thomson S, Georges A, Limpus CJ (2006) A new species of freshwater turtle in the genus Elseya (Testudines: Chelidae) from central coastal Queensland, Australia. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 5(1), 74-86.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
