A RARE breeding event has recently occurred at Lake McIntyre near Millicent.
The native wildlife and vegetation reserve has been home to long-necked turtles for many years, but this is the first time the volunteers have recorded successful breeding at the site.
Lake McIntyre Management Committee chairperson Sheila Boyle said the volunteer group welcomed the event.
“Near the end of February, one of the Lake McIntyre volunteers noticed someone walking around the lake taking an interest in something on the ground,” Ms Boyle said.
“She went to investigate and to her delight she discovered five tiny turtle hatchlings, just emerged from their shells that were deposited in a hole in the bank next to the walkway.
“After checking along the path a bit further, another five hatchlings were discovered, but unfortunately these were all dead.”
Ms Boyle said the hatchlings were very small, it was extraordinary they were noticed at all.
“The volunteers assisted the five live hatchlings to safety,” she said.
“The hatchlings were eastern long-necked turtles (chelodina longicollis) which are a native to our region, the other species of turtles in South Australia are native to the River Murray regions.”
