Elusor macrurus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_River_turtle
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Mary River turtle faces severe threats from dam construction and water extraction that alter natural flow regimes essential for its survival. Sand and gravel mining operations directly destroy nesting beaches and degrade water quality in its limited range. Cattle grazing along riverbanks causes bank erosion and sedimentation, while introduced weeds reduce suitable nesting habitat quality.
Habitat
Endemic to the Mary River system in southeastern Queensland, Australia, inhabiting flowing sections of the river with rocky substrates and sandy banks. Requires specific water temperatures and flow conditions, with females nesting on sandy riverbanks during the dry season.
