Testing a new place for Western Swamp Tortoises in a changing climate

Perth’s western swamp tortoises was probably always a rare species, but habitat loss and climate change are presenting new challenges.

Conservation managers want to establish extra populations of the turtle to aid its long term survival, but as the climate in this region is getting drier and hotter, where should they be? A research collaboration is trialling tortoises bred at Perth Zoo at a swamp 300km away from its native swamps. While a bit cold at present, the site could offer ideal conditions in the long-term.

This Threatened Species Recovery Hub project is a collaboration between The University of Western Australia, and the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions through Perth Zoo and Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia. It receives support from the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program.