Hatchlings released into river

THE release of freshwater turtle hatchlings into the Burnett River catchment from the Paradise Dam hatchery is almost complete.

This is the fourth year of a program that aims to replenish the Burnett catchment area with white-throated snapping turtle hatchlings, which are subject to many predators such as water rats, goannas, foxes and wild dogs.

Senior ranger Greg Aberdein said there were only a few nests of eggs remaining to be hatched, with about 400 of the tiny turtles having been returned to where their mothers were caught this season.

This is similar to last year’s results, bringing the total released to about 2000 since the program began.

Visitors to the information centre at the dam are able to watch an informative video about the turtles, and view aquariums containing specimens of fish native to the catchment, including the lung-fish.