Predicting the Impact of Damming on the Endangered Mary River Turtle

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Little is known about the effects of inland river alteration on the ecology of freshwater turtles, where river damming results in dramatic changes in river physical, chemical and biological characteristics. In Australia there are 446 large dams, necessary for hydro-electric power, navigation, flood control, irrigation and drinking water. Many of these rivers are inhabited by freshwater turtles, endemic to Australia, and this project will assess the impact of changes in habitat quality on the endangered Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus). The study comes at a timely opportunity, as proposed river damming will substantially alter the turtles' habitat, and its survival potential remains unknown.