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Bellinger River Turtle
Scientific nameMyuchelys georgesi
Conservation status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
The Bellinger River Turtle is a short-necked snapping turtle. It almost vanished from its home in the Bellinger River because of disease. Taronga’s keepers and scientists have joined the fight for their survival.
Sydney
Visitor tips for Sydney
You can see Bellinger River Turtles in ARC.
*There are a variety of animals included in the ARC Keeper talk. You may not see this exact species, but will hear all about the incredible reptiles that call Taronga home!
ARC Keeper Talk
11:00am
Fast facts about Bellinger River Turtles
30yrs
Bellinger River Turtles can live for at least 30 years.
Where they live
Freshwater rivers, preferring deep and rocky waters
What they eat
They're omnivores - they eat macro-invertebrates, plants and fruits.
Where they're found
Bellinger River in Northern NSW
25cm
A Bellinger River Turtle shell can be up to 25cm in length for a female, and 18cm for males.
16 eggs
A Bellinger River Turtle clutch size can be between 10-16 eggs
30yrs
Bellinger River Turtles can live for at least 30 years.
Where they live
Freshwater rivers, preferring deep and rocky waters
What they eat
They're omnivores - they eat macro-invertebrates, plants and fruits.
Where they're found
Bellinger River in Northern NSW
25cm
A Bellinger River Turtle shell can be up to 25cm in length for a female, and 18cm for males.
16 eggs
A Bellinger River Turtle clutch size can be between 10-16 eggs
Did you know?
We bet you didn't know these facts about this turtle species.
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Turtle food
Bellinger River Turtles eat macro-invertebrates (like insects or crustaceans) found at the bottom of rivers, but can also eat underwater plants and fruits from on land
Shell yeah!
Ever seen the underside of a turtle hatchling?! It’s called the ‘plastron’ and it’s completely fused to the top of turtle’s shell and it’s spine – so the turtle cannot leave its shell – it's all connected!
Chin check
Some Bellinger River Turtles can have two fleshy appendages under the chin which can help differentiate from other species.
Egg tooth
Bellinger River Turtles lay hard, brittle-shelled eggs – the hatchling uses a temporary ‘egg tooth’ to help it break through the shell.
Tiny turtle
When hatchlings are born, they’re only the size of a one-dollar coin! That’s one tiny turtle.
Turtle eggs
Bellinger River Turtles usually lay clutches of 10-16 eggs that are pale white in colour.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
Bellinger River Turtle Conservation
When the Bellinger River Turtle viral outbreak was detected, Taronga launched into action. Working with the NSW state government and other specialists, Taronga collected 16 healthy turtles to establish a recovery program. In 2023, a purpose-built breeding facility was opened at Taronga Zoo that includes 60 tanks for rearing turtles, and special hatching facilities.
Our program has already proven successful, with over 500 hatchlings emerging across 10 successive breeding seasons. These hatchlings have allowed for five releases into the river to date, with 197 young turtles now returned. Post-release monitoring of turtles is underway to continue improving survival.
Learn more
Our program has already proven successful, with over 500 hatchlings emerging across 10 successive breeding seasons. These hatchlings have allowed for five releases into the river to date, with 197 young turtles now returned. Post-release monitoring of turtles is underway to continue improving survival.
Learn more
Conservation stats
Taronga's Bellinger River Turtle conservation stats - and counting!
175+
Taronga has bred and released over 175 juvenile Bellinger River Turtles into the wild. These hatched in our Bellinger River Turtle Conservation Centre.
*Data updated 2025
*Data updated 2025
Saving the Bellinger River Turtle
Terrific Bellinger River Turtles
This freshwater turtle can breathe through its bottom, a process known as cloacal respiration. This allows it to swim in deeper water without needing to return to the surface as frequently.
In 2015, a pair of canoeists found distressed and dying turtles, suffering blindness and lesions, and succumbing to organ failure. Taronga’s scientists from the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health helped determine the cause to be a previously unknown virus. It caused a mass mortality event, wiping out around 90% of the population in just six weeks.
Bellinger River Turtle eggs are sometimes eaten by Goannas whilst hatchlings can fall prey to catfish, both native to the area, however a non-native predator is now causing the greatest risk. Foxes are a widespread pest in Australia, and short-necked turtles are particularly vulnerable as they cannot fully retract their heads and limbs into their shells. Controlling fox populations and protection of nesting sites are critical to long-term recovery.
Reduce, reuse and save river species
When you choose reusable items and say no to single-use plastic, it makes a world of difference to wildlife.
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