Pre-incursion Plan PIP 002 Turtles and Tortoises

Scope

This plan is in place to guide prevention and eradication activities and the management of non-indigenous populations of Turtles and Tortoises (Order Testudines; Families Chelydridae, Emydidae and Testudinae) in the wild in .

Version Document Status Date Author Reviewed By Approved for Release

1.0 First Draft 26/07/11 Dana Price M. Corry, S. Wisniewski and A. Woolnough

1.1 Second Draft 21/10/11 Dana Price

2 Final Draft 12/01/12 Dana Price

2.1 Final 27/06/2012 Dana Price M.Corry Visual Standard approved by ADP

3.0 Revised Draft 2/07/2015 Miranda Green

3.1 Final 6/08/2015 Miranda Green R.Melville and A.Kay 3.2 Revised Draft 19/11/2015 Dana Price J. Goldsworthy 3.3 Final 24/03/2016 Miranda Green Dana Price New DEDJTR Templates and full document revision

Acknowledgement and special thanks to Peter Courtenay, Senior Curator, Zoos Victoria, for reviewing this document and providing comments.

Published by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Agriculture Victoria, March 2016 © The State of Victoria 2016. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, 1 Spring Street, 3000. Front cover: Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta) Photo: Image courtesy of High Risk Invasive Animal team 2009, DEDJTR

ISBN 978-1-925532-36-4 (pdf/online)

Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. For more information about Agriculture Victoria go to www.agriculture.vic.gov.au or phone the Customer Service Centre on 136 186. Pre-Incursion Plan PIP002 Turtles 2

Pre-incursion Plan PIP002 Turtles and Tortoises

Order: Testudines

Families: Chelydridae, Emididae and Testudinae

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Contents

Pre-incursion Plan PIP002 ...... 5

Table 1: Introduction ...... 5 Table 2: Declaration Status ...... 5 Table 3: Delimitation survey options...... 5-6 Table 4: Species specific delimitation options ...... 7 Table 5: Detection,control, monitoring and breeding calendar ...... 7 Table 6: Transport of live specimens...... 8 Table 7: Brief description of eradication and containment options ...... 8-10 Table 8: Species specific eradication and containment options ...... 11 Table 9: Brief description of disease, parasite and infection risks ...... 11 Table 10: Treatment specific WHS considerations ...... 12 Table 11: Identification requirements - take photo/video and e-mail to: ...... 12 Table 12: Euthanasia options ...... 12 Table 13: Sampling/Autopsy requirements ...... 13 Table 14: Disposal options ...... 13 Table 15: Legislation, regulations and required permits...... 13-14 Table 16: General species and technical experts ...... 14 Table 17: List of Acronyms ...... 15 Table 18: Glossary ...... 15

Appendices ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. 1. Chelydridae Family: Species Specific Table ...... 16 2. Emydidae Family: Species Specific Table……………………………………………………… ….…17-18 3. Testudinae Family: Species Specific Table………………………………………………………….. 19-20 4. Excursus: REST………………………………………………………………………………………… .21-24

References ...... 25-27

Photographic references ...... 27

Accessibility

If you would like to receive this information/publication in an accessible format (such as large print or audio) please call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186, TTY 1800 122 969, or email [email protected].

Pre-Incursion Plan PIP002 Turtles 4

Table 1: Introduction

Of the turtles listed in this pre-plan, the Red-eared slider turtle (REST) is by far the most commonly reported in Victoria. It is

thought that the illegal pet trade is responsible for the overwhelming majority of accidental escapes or intentional

releases of these animals into the wild in Victoria. REST in the wild in Victoria have been identified and removed from Elsternwick Park in Elwood, the at Abbotsford and the Moorabool River, west of Geelong. Elsternwick Park Lake is the only site that known breeding has occurred with two adults and one juvenile removed from the lake. The Abbotsford and Geelong sites were both single animals thought to have been released. Unconfirmed reports of REST in Victoria include; in Blackburn, in Templestowe, in Reservoir, Lilydale in Lilydale, off the Yarra River, near Attwood and Taylors Lakes.

Most species of turtles listed in this pre-plan are highly fecund, capable of producing large clutch sizes and exhibiting rapid growth rates (Cox & Booth 2015). Most are also long-lived. These animals are often both aquatic habitat generalists and generalist predators, enabling them to readily establish invasive populations. Life cycle specialisations such as sperm storage can potentially allow establishment of new populations from a single female. Spermatozoa may remain viable in the uterine cavity of the female for several years, allowing females to produce fertilised eggs long after copulation has occurred (Gist & Congdon 1998). Generally, speaking, many of the species listed also exhibit traits which make them difficult to eradicate in the wild. Low detectability, due to their cryptic nature, an aquatic lifestyle, the ability to disperse long distances and non-vocal tendencies present many difficulties when attempting to establish the existence of a new, wild-living invasive population of such species. The same traits also present challenges to successful eradication.

The potential consequences of establishment of invasive turtle populations in Victoria are wide-ranging and may include the introduction of new pathogens, diseases and parasites, competition with native species for food and nesting resources and direct predation upon native species.

Table 2: Declaration Status in Victoria

All turtle and tortoise species included in this plan are currently declared as prohibited or controlled pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act 1994).

Table 3: Delimitation survey options

Method Description Time suggested to determine presence at site

1. Visual Use binoculars/scopes to observe the water body. The best time of day for 3 consecutive days Observations observation is between 8-11am, then after 3pm on sunny days, during or after rain. of survey For example, REST actively pursue quality basking sites daily (Ryan et al. 2013).

2. Transect Search This method is useful for terrestrial species. Use active search techniques (lift logs, As needed check burrows and shelters) along a transect length (Hutchens & DePerno 2009) and (Crosswhite et al 1999).

3. Hand Feeding Use in conjunction with visual observations. Bait offered can include dry dog & cat 3 consecutive days food, oily fish, sheep and beef heart, fruit such as banana and cantaloupe, chicken entrails and bread soaked in a burley mix (Mali et al. 2012) and (Mali et al. 2014). .

4. Seine Trapping * This is a good rapid survey method. A net is lowered into the water body and 2 days consecutive dragged through the water either by boat or by researchers standing on either side of the water body Note that permits are required.

5. Intensive After initial seine trapping a combination of seine, cathedral and opera traps are 2 + weeks

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Table 3: Delimitation survey options

Method Description Time suggested to determine presence at site

Trapping using a recommended to be used. Cathedral traps are baited traps which sit vertically in the combination of water and should be used in deeper water bodies. The top of the trap sits above the seine, cathedral and water surface, allowing turtles to breathe Opera traps are a type of mesh box trap opera traps* which are best used around the edge of water bodies, in the shallows. They are also baited (O’Keeffe 2006). Permits are required to use all forms of traps in Victorian

waters (Fisheries Act 1995) .

6. Adjacent water Carry out the same survey methods as above in all water bodies within 1 km of the As needed body survey* first sighting. Particularly downstream of the incursion.

7. Education Doorknocking in the area, letterbox drops ,media articles and social media can be As required Campaign used to alert and educate the public to be on the lookout.

8. Detection Dog Conduct an initial rapid survey at the water bodies where sightings have been One week received. Survey all suitable habitats within a 2km radius of confirmed sites (A REST detection (O’Keeffe 2006). dog is no longer available but one can be trained if there is a need).

9. Environmental This method was under development in Queensland, with further progress currently Jane Oakey – DNA testing of water on hold due to funding shortfalls. A primer to amplify REST DNA has been Biosecurity samples discovered. A recent study in the United States has shown the potential for eDNA Queensland. sampling in wild turtle habitats with the successful detection of REST DNA in a small (07) 3362 9485 waterbody comprising of 4 REST. In the future eDNA surveys may be the most cost effective approach for documenting species presence (Davy et al. 2015).

10. Use of a motion Use of a camera to capture still photos and video footage of the fauna present in an A camera is easy to sensor triggered area. This technique may be more effective when bait is set in conjunction with the use and cost camera camera i.e. offer bread, fruit or pet food. The equipment can be expensive as several effective, requiring cameras may be required depending on the size of the area requiring monitoring. little input of time Ensure that the camera is in a sheltered position as most are not waterproof. Ensure and resources to set that the camera is set well away from hanging vegetation as movement of branches up and retrieve could set the camera off. This method is a good option for sightings reported in a information. Position relatively confined area. Cameras can be used longer term if required and can the cameras for a remain on site for several months, relative to its battery power (Meek et al 2014). period of one to several weeks in areas where turtle activity has been reported.

N.B. Methods notated with * require a DEDJTR Fisheries permit (use of traps in Victorian inland waters).

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Table 4: Species specific delimitation options

Please refer to Table 3 for a full description of options

Option 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Common √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Snapping Turtle

Alligator √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Snapping Turtle

Box Turtle √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Red-eared √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Slider Turtle

Alabama √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Redbelly Turtle

Aldabra √ √ √ √ √ Giant Tortoise

Yellow- √ √ √ √ √ footed Tortoise

Star Tortoise √ √ √ √ √

Brown √ √ √ √ √ Tortoise

Horsfield’s √ √ √ √ √ Tortoise

Chinese √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Stripe-neck Turtle

Table 5: Detection, control, monitoring and breeding calendar

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Detection √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Treatment √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Monitoring √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Breeding √ √ √ √ √ √ √

N.B. Green shading represents optimal times for detection, control and monitoring based on species habitat use in their native range. This information may vary according to Victorian conditions.

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Table 6: Transport of live specimens

All reptiles should be transported individually in a strong, dry, durable, porous linen bag which shall, in turn, be enclosed by a sufficiently ventilated, escape-proof, rigid container. Any empty space should be padded with shredded paper to prevent excessive movement within the container. A cardboard box is not a suitable container. Attach a label to the outside of the container which clearly identifies type of reptile and whether the reptile is dangerous. Do not place specimens of different species, or specimens of greatly differing size within the same container (Bureau of Animal Welfare 2003).

See ‘AG1134 - Victorian Code of Practice for the welfare of animals – Private keeping of reptiles’ for further details.

Type of Specimen Length/weight Comments

Hatchlings and small turtles Up to 50 mms Care should be taken to ensure hatchlings are securely enclosed as they are able to escape through even small gaps.

Box turtles, Star tortoise and Horsfeld’s tortoise Up to 330 mms Transport in accordance with the Code of Practice.

Large/aggressive turtles e.g. Snapping turtles and Up to 150 kgs Appropriate linen bags will not be large Aldabra Giant tortoise, Yellow-footed tortoise and enough for such tortoises. Experts from Brown tortoise Melbourne Zoo will be contacted to arrange suitable transport of these species.

Table 7: Brief description of eradication and containment options

Method Description Time to Equipment Risks Comments control cost + Personnel required

1. Capture by Collection of terrestrial turtles Variable The cost of this Reduce the risk of the A mature female REST hand or by hand is possible method is spread of salmonella was successfully handheld net (Crosswhite et al. 1999). A dip minimal. The by washing hands captured and removed net may otherwise be used to number of thoroughly before from the Yarra River in capture animals close to the personnel handling individual 2015 using a handheld edge of a water body or on required is specimens. To landing net. The animal land. relative to the reduce the risk of bite was basking on a rock size of the wear gloves when ledge and approached animal. handling. in a kayak. 2. Trap in A cathedral trap is baited and 1-2 weeks $120-$150/unit There is a risk of Cathedral traps are Cathedral has a mesh column which continuous. 4 personnel captured animals highly successful when traps rises to surface, allowing the Increased drowning. To reduce used at high density as turtle to breathe (O’Keeffe trap hours this risk, traps are set part of an intensive 2006). These traps are one of allows with an airspace at program (Howard & the most common sampling turtles to the surface. Clemann 2009). They tools used for fresh water become Catching non-target are effectively used in turtles worldwide. Capture familiar with species such as water that is 1.5-2.5m rates are also increased when trap native turtles, deep. REST can bait types are fresh and presence platypus and water develop trap-shy regularly switched. Canned and rats is also a risk. It is response to cathedral sardines and chicken entrails increases recommended, and hoop nets but have proven the most popular capture therefore that the switching the trap types bait type for REST and other rates (Mali traps be checked regularly can avoid this freshwater turtles (Mali et al. et al. 2014). regularly. Research negative visual 2012). Commercial dry cat has shown that these association (Mali et al. and dog food is also a popular types of traps can be 2012). bait type (Mali et al. 2014). male-biased as females regularly escape. It is thought that females simply move more in traps

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Table 7: Brief description of eradication and containment options

Method Description Time to Equipment Risks Comments control cost + Personnel required

and find the opening easier (Brown et al. 2011). 3. Trap in Opera traps are standard 1-2 weeks $8-$20 per There is the risk of Opera traps are Opera traps baited traps, also known as continuously unit. by-catch and effective and should be crab pots. They are used in 2 personnel drowning (refer the used in combination shallow water at a depth are required. risks as above). with other methods such lesser than 1.5m (O’Keeffe Traps may also be as cathedral traps and 2006). stolen or tampered fyke nets. Use for with when set at surveying purposes or publicly accessible as a control method. sites. To minimise the risks check the traps regularly. 4. Trap in Basking traps comprise a 4 months + $100 per unit There is a risk of by- The effectiveness of this Basking traps floating platform with a mesh 2 personnel catch, mainly native technique is unknown & landing nets ‘basket’ underneath. Turtles turtles but also for very low population bask on the platform and then waterfowl and densities of turtles. The fall into the basket (Gamble platypus, so ensure use of basking traps 2006). The traps may be used the traps are checked worldwide to sample in any depth of water. These regularly, every 1-2 freshwater turtle traps should be weathered in days. populations is one of situ for 4-6 weeks before two most popular trapping commences methods (Mali et al. (O’Keeffe 2006). 2012). A landing net is a hand held net on a long pole and can be used to capture turtles from the edge of a water body or from a boat. 5. Trap in A Seine net is dragged 30 mins per $150-$300 per Inexperienced The method is suitable Seine net through water (Howard & drag unit personnel may not for rapid survey or for an Clemann 2009) and (O’Keeffe 6 + personnel perform the technique intensive program 2006). Skilled correctly. Staff must where turtles are at high operators only be well trained in density. may operate effective technique. Seine nets. 6. Trap in A Fyke net comprises a fabric Variable $450+ per unit There is a risk of by- Research has shown Fyke net tunnel with a baited trap 3+ personnel catch so check nets that fyke nets capture section in the centre. The net regularly. more turtles than baited is set parallel to the shore or Drowning the hoop/cathedral nets and bank. These nets are individual is also a opera house nets due to commonly used in rivers risk which can be their ‘swim-in’ nature compared to ponds and lakes. minimised by setting (Larocque et al. 2012). They are not commonly baited the net and allowing to capture fish but should be airspace at the baited when attempting to surface (Serena et al. catch turtles (Larocque et al. 2015). Turtles caught 2012). in fyke nets for prolonged periods need oxygen and therefore the nets should be set so as they are raised at one end ((Larocque et al. 2012). 7. Draining Drain the water body, 1-2 weeks $50000- Consider the non- This option has the water bodies removing silt to 2m in depth continual $100000 target impact, highest success rate, and compact with coarse labour 4+ personnel environmental and however it is very material before refilling. This 4+contractors social) impacts. expensive. method is suited to small Develop a This technique works water bodies such as farm rehabilitation plan. best when combined

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Table 7: Brief description of eradication and containment options

Method Description Time to Equipment Risks Comments control cost + Personnel required

dams and ponds (O’Keeffe Ensure thorough with the installation of 2006). consultation with land turtle proof fencing and managers. pitfall traps to prevent escapees. 8. Pitfall Use pitfall traps in and outside 1-2 weeks $1,000 + As there is a risk of Use pitfall trapping in trapping and fencing to catch disturbed $9.50/metre for by-catch when pitfall conjunction with water fencing turtles and prevent escape root barrier trapping is high, body drainage. The once the lake has been fence monitor the process technique may also drained (O’Keeffe 2006). 2 personnel+ 2 closely. prove useful for contractors containment. 9. Detector The dog is used to detect 1-2 weeks 1 dog and 1 A detector dog that is Use a detector dog in dog REST nests and live animals would be handler utilised too early in conjunction with water during and after the draining required to the breeding season body draining. operation (O’Keeffe 2006). cover all may get an incorrect potential negative result. breeding sites. Allow 6 weeks also, to train a new dog and its handler. 10. Diving Divers are used to capture 1-2 days 1 diver Minimal risks are The technique is simple, turtles in situ. 2 personnel involved with this however ineffective in procedure. Operators turbid water. must be well trained Its efficacy is unknown. and appropriately accredited. 11. Electro- Equipment that uses electricity NA NA NA This method has not fishing to stun fish. been trialled for turtles. Expert advice suggests that it is ineffective in relation to turtles. 12. Shooting Could be useful in NA Contractor NA A ‘populous place’ and circumstances where public costs ‘silencer’ permit is safety can be managed. required by a contractor if the procedure is conducted in an urban area. 13. Poisoning There are no registered NA NA NA poisons for the control of any turtle species. 14. Increasing the salinity of the $92/tonne for The technique is Use in conjunction with Environmental water body to a level salt plus untested, therefore its fencing and pitfall traps alteration intolerable by the turtle forces fencing costs efficacy is not known. to capture animals once it out of its habitat. 2 contractors + The effect on non- they have departed the 2 personnel target species is also water. unknown, but may be highly detrimental. 15. Terrestrial Used for terrestrial species, NA NA Low efficacy trapping however low efficacy has been reported (Crosswhite et.al. 1999).

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Table 8: Species specific eradication and containment options

Please refer to Table 7 for a full description of options

Option 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Red-eared √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Slider Turtle

Alabama √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Redbelly Turtle

Aldabra √ √ √ Giant Tortoise

Yellow- √ √ √ footed Tortoise

Star Tortoise √ √ √ √

Brown √ √ √ √ Tortoise

Horsfield’s √ √ √ √ Tortoise

Chinese √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Stripe-neck Turtle

N.B. Green shading represents a technique that can only be used for the juvenile life stage of the species – adult animals are too large for this technique.

Table 9: Brief description of disease, parasite and infection risks

Zoonoses Disease agent Transmission WHS considerations Notification requirements route

Salmonella Enterobacteria Ingestion of infected Wear latex gloves when Notify within 7 days (Livestock material. handling. Disease Control Act 1994).

Disease Watch Hotline: 1800675888

Leptospirosis Zoonotic spirochete The spirochete Use appropriate PPE Notify within 7 days (Livestock bacterium. The bacterium is including: disposable P2 Disease Control Act 1994). incidence is rare in transmitted via direct respirator of AS/NZA 1716 Disease Watch Hotline: humans, however exposure i.e. contact standard, disposable 1800675888 the bacterium can with infected body gloves, overalls and boots. be transmitted fluids or with urine through broken skin contaminated or mucous materials. membranes. The likelihood of exposure is minimal.

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Table 10: Treatment specific WHS considerations

Hazard Control

Scratch or bite injury Wear latex gloves when handling animals and ensure a first aid kit is on site.

Tetanus Ensure all staff has current tetanus vaccination.

Use of watercraft Staff are to have a Boat Licence, wear life vests and have the ability to swim.

Working near water hazards A minimum of two staff must be on site at all times. Life-vests are to be worn and staff must be able to swim.

Use of firearms Use only licenced and experienced contractor when using shooting as an eradication method. All contractors must hold a current populous place permit and carry out control method in cooperation and under direction of the department. Refer to ‘Turtle Shooting SOP’ (to be developed).

Refer to the relevant ASBO Job Safety Plan: Field Operations SOP for further details.

Table 11: Identification requirements - take photo/video and e-mail to:

Name Organisation Contact Details

Dr Jane Melville Museum Victoria (03) 8341 7444

(Senior Curator – Terrestrial Vertebrates) [email protected]

See document titled ‘Procedure for Museum Victoria Identifications’ for details on the delivery of live or dead specimens to museum staff.

Table 12: Euthanasia options

Method Description Comments

1. Lethal Injection (Lethobarb) Inject 60-100mg/kg of sodium pentobarbital. DEDJTR veterinarian or a registered Lethal injection is the preferred method user of barbiturates is required for this (AVMA 2013). method. A non-vet can administer lethobarb under veterinary direction. Brendan Carmel at Warranwood Vet Clinic is used to euthanase all exotic turtles for the department.

2. Shooting firearm The calibre and type of firearm is This method requires a head shot and is proportionate to the situation. Use a .17HMR only to be performed by a specialised with a suppressor or a 12 gauge shotgun contractor. depending on public access to the area.

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Table 13: Sampling/Autopsy requirements

Sampling required Cost Provider Comments

Antemortem examination, Up to 5kgs -$129 AgriBio Veterinary Diagnostic Costs include euthanasia via necropsy procedure, gross Services lethal injection, with analysis being 5-60 kgs – $194 examination of tissues, and additional, relative to the number Mark Hawes collection and storage of > 60kgs - $388 of necropsy samples supplied. samples are required. (03) 92174351

Antemortem examination, Warranwood Veterinary Centre Analysis of necropsy samples is necropsy procedure, gross an additional cost determined by Brendan Carmel examination of tissues, and the number of samples examined. collection and storage of [email protected] samples are required. (03) 9879 0900 Shop 2, 1 Colman Road, Warranwood, Vic 3134

Refer to SOP: Tissue Sampling for further details as to sampling procedures for DNA amalysis

Table 14: Disposal options

Method Description Cost Comments

Incineration Animal remains are destroyed in a high $3.00/kg This method is used by AgriBio Veterinary temperature incinerator. Diagnostic Services for disposal of all animal carcasses.

Mark Hawes

(03) 92174351

Deep burial Bury animal remains to reduce Minor cost To be used when alternative means are transmission and spread of bacteria unavailable and only at a Council approved and disease. animal pit.

Table 15: Legislation, regulations and required permits

Permits & training Why required? Legislation Contact person

Scientific Permit To carry out collection, live capture and Wildlife Act 1975 Sue Hadden DELWP release of wildlife. (DELWP) (03) 9296 4651

Animal Ethics To tag native turtles and to euthanase invasive Wildlife Act 1975 Max Campbell EO Wildlife and Small Approval turtles. (DELWP) Institutions AEC (03) 9217 4429

Pest Animal – Animal Exhibition Permits are required to keep Catchment and Jenni Nunan DEDJTR Pest Animal Approved Collections Pest Animals and for .private keeping of Land Protection Permit Administrator (Animal Exhibition) reptiles. Animals retained for longer than 12 Act 1994 (03) 5761 1580 Permit hours, for any reason, must be kept under (DEDJTR) permit and in accordance with the Code of Practice for the welfare of animals.

DEDJTR Fisheries A Fisheries Permit is required to use traps in Fisheries Act 1995 John Vaytauer Permit Victorian inland waters. Traps require tagging (DEDJTR) (03) 9658 4304 with contact details attached (s.52 & 54 Pre-Incursion Plan PIP002 Turtles 13

Table 15: Legislation, regulations and required permits

Permits & training Why required? Legislation Contact person

Fisheries Act 1995).

Land Manager Land Manager permits are required to access Conditions specific The contact person is specific to the (Council, Parks and work on council, parks Victoria or to each council land tenure at each site. Victoria, Water Melbourne Water owned land. area. Authority)

‘Populous Place’ and These permits are required when using Firearms Act 1996 Catherine Leask (first contact) or ‘Silencer’ (suppressor) firearms with a silencer (suppressor) attached Theresa Borg (secondary contact)– permits and/or in a populous place (s.130(3) and 57 Victoria Police Firearms Act 1996) . (03) 9247 3249

POCTA Regulations Consult the POCTA regulations prior to Prevention of Jane Malcolm – Senior Policy undertaking any trapping. Cruelty to Animals Officer-Animal Welfare Act (1986) [email protected] (03) 51470829 0428 547135

Table 16: General species and technical experts

Name Organisation Contact Area of expertise

Dane Robinson Fisheries Officer DEDJTR 0419 282 544 Contact for access to borrow seine/fyke nets

Katie Howard Technical Officer DELWP [email protected] Scientists – Wildlife Ecology 0428 359 095

(03) 9450 8635

John Birkett Melbourne Zoo (03) 9285 9300 Reptile keeper [email protected]

Gary Jackson Multinational K9 [email protected] REST sniffer dog contact Queensland dog handler 0419 773 022

www.garyjacksondogtrainer.com

Tim Jessop Melbourne Zoo [email protected] Turtle research & euthanasia 0400 460 807

Andrew Hammer Australian Research Centre [email protected] Turtle trapping and surveillance for Urban Ecology (03) 8344 9981

Dr Jane Melville Museum Victoria (03) 8341 7444 Herpetologist and Senior Curator of terrestrial vertebrates. [email protected]

Dr Col Limpus Department of Environment Control techniques, biology, ecology and Heritage Protection of REST and tagging techniques Queensland

Dion Gilbert Melbourne Zoo 04335 816 080 Herpetologist

Damian Goodall & Melbourne Zoo Front Desk (03) 9285 9300 Reptile ID experts/keepers Simon Faithfull

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Table 17: List of Acronyms

ACZ Approved Collection Zoo permit

APVMA Australasian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Association

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora

COP Code of Practice

DEDJTR Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources

DELWP Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

IPAC Invasive Plants and Animals Committee (previously IPAC)

NERA 2004 National Exotic Reptile Amnesty 2004

POCTA Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

REST Red-eared slider turtle

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

WHS Work Health and Safety

Table 18: Glossary

Carapace The upper section or shell of the exoskeleton of a turtle or tortoise

Chelonian A Super order which unites turtles, tortoises and terrapins

Plastron The underside or belly of the exoskeleton of a turtle or tortoise

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Appendices 1. Chelydridae Family: Species Specific Table

VPC Incursion status Species classification General In the wild Habitat / Image Diet Breeding description Behaviour & CaLP declaration VIC AUS Chelydra The carapace of IPAC’s 1 Animal was No reports Omnivorous, Aquatic, the Both males and females reach sexual maturity at a carapace the Common classification is detected in in the but with a Common snapping length of about 20cms. In the Northern Hemisphere, mating serpentina snapping turtle ‘Serious’. illegal trade in wild. carnivorous turtle requires the occurs from May to November and eggs are laid about two may reach 550 Victoria and preference. muddy floor and months later. Nest holes are generally dug within a metre or so Common of water, however some individuals have been reported to mm in length, CaLP Controlled kept under The diet detritus in which to Snapping and individuals CaLP Permit includes . hide and ambush travel up to 16kms from water to nest (Paterson et al. 2012). Turtle may weigh up to Approved molluscs, prey.. Aggressive, Females lay one clutch/year and the clutch size ranges 35 kgs. Collection crustaceans, agile and between 6 and 100 eggs. Eggs are incubated for between 55- Zoo. fish, birds, unpredictable in 125 days, depending on climate. Hatchling sex determination small nature. is temperature dependent, females are produced when eggs mammals and are incubated at 20°C, and at 29-31°C. Temperatures between other turtles these extremes produce both sexes, but only males are produced at 23-24°C. This species is long-lived, individuals regularly survive for 30-40 years in the wild. This species does not regularly engage in aerial basking and favours habitats with slow-moving waters, muddy substrates, abundant vegetation and submerged logs (Ryan et al. 2014). Macrochelys The carapace IPAC Serious Detected in 1 has Omnivorous, Aquatic, this The Alligator snapping turtle reaches sexual maturity at 11 to may reach a illegal trade in been the Alligator species prefers 13 years of age. Mating is annual and, in , seasonally temminckii deep rivers, canals between April and June. Females lay clutches in nests within length of 800 CaLP Controlled Victoria and detected snapping turtle mms and kept under an in the wild eats fish, and lakes with a 50 m of the edge of a water body. Clutch size varies between Alligator animals can Approved in NSW. 1 crustaceans, connection to 8-50 eggs. Eggs are incubated between 100 and 140 days Snapping weigh up to 115 Collection has been molluscs, running water and a before hatchlings emerge. Sex determination is temperature Turtle kgs. permit at seized snakes, seeds muddy floor. It can dependent. The longevity of this species is documented at 80- Ballarat Zoo. 3 from illegal and fruit. tolerate brackish 120 years in the wild. Animals trade in water. This species intercepted at Victoria. is dangerous to Vic border. handle.

Pre-Incursion Plan PIP002 Turtles 16

2. Emydidae Family: Species Specific Table

VPC Incursion status Species classification General In the wild Image Diet Habitat / Behaviour Breeding description & CaLP declaration VIC AUS Terrapene Their IPAC Serious Kept under 1 Chinese box Omnivorous, Terrestrial, it is most active after In the northern hemisphere, mating season carolina carapace may CaLP Permit as turtle detected the rain, requiring high humidity or begins in spring and continues throughout reach 200 CaLP Controlled ‘Approved in the wild in Terrapine frequent contact with water. The summer. Nesting occurs from May through to mms in length. Collection Zoo’. Qld and 1 carolina eats Terrapine carolina can tolerate July. Females lay 3-8 elliptically shaped eggs,

Box Turtle animal seized insects, salinity and dry habitat by and may lay several clutches per year. The from illegal snails, small restricting its activity to wetter eggs are incubated for 3-4 months and trade. 1 amphibians, months. hatchling sex is temperature dependent. Ornate box fruits and Females of this species store sperm, and may turtle seized vegetables. lay fertile eggs up to 4 years after their last from illegal Its young mating. Box turtles may live up to 100 years in trade in NSW. are mostly the wild. 1 Malaysian carnivorous. box turtle intercepted at Fremantle, WA. >2 box turtles detected as stowaways in Qld. Trachemys Their IPAC Serious Over 20 have Wild An Aquatic, preferring calm water with Females reach sexual maturity at 2 to 5 years scripta carapace may been seized populations opportunistic a muddy floor and abundant of age. At sexual maturity, the males range elegans reach 280 CaLP Controlled through the are breeding omnivore, it vegetation and basking sites. It from 90-120 mms in length and the females mms in length. illegal pet trade. in Queensland eats snails, remains active at water are approximately 200mms in length. During Known in the and New crayfish, temperatures of as low as 10°C. breeding season (spring to the end of Red-eared wild at South Wales. insect The Red-eared slider turtle may summer), females dig a nest in soft soil or Slider Turtle Elst e r n w i ck Reports are larvae, move up to 5kms overland and is sand and may lay 1-5 clutches of 2-25 eggs Par k Lake documented tadpoles, diurnal, sleeping at night. If per clutch. Hatchlings emerge in approximately (2009-11). It of individuals fruit and captured and released they exhibit 10 weeks. Female sliders can store sperm for w as captured in Western vegetation homing behaviour and will return up to 5 years. So their advantage over native Australia and (Prevot- to the original capture site (Tucker species is a lower age at maturity, high in the wild at the Australian Julliard et al. & Lamer 2008). REST are an fecundity and larger adult body size (Cadi & Blackburn Capital 2007). aggressive species and compete Joly 2003). Lake and Territory. >115 Juveniles with native turtles for food, habitat Elst e r n w i ck Animals have feed mainly and basking sites. They prefer Par k Lake. been seized on animal open deep waters to bask and Sightings of this from illegal matter and have found to out-compete Pre-Incursion Plan PIP002 Turtles 17

species have trade in NSW, are European natives for basking sites been reported in Qld, SA, Vic, carnivorous (Cadi & Joly 2003). Research has the wild at WA & (Perez- also shown that REST are most several other Tasmania. Santigosa et aggressive during feeding, forcing locations, >67 Animals al. 2011). native turtles to abandon food although there is intercepted at resources and look elsewhere no known Brisbane, (Polo-Cavia et al. 2011). breeding in the Fremantle & wild. Sydney. >3 Animals detected as stowaways in NSW & Qld. Pseudemys Their IPAC Extreme None recorded. One seized in They are Their natural habitat is calm, No information available carapace may illegal trade in herbivorous, shallow water, with a muddy floor alabamensis reach a length CaLP Prohibited New South however and dense, aquatic vegetation. of 330 mms. Wales during juveniles Diurnal, they are however very Alabama NERA 2004. may eat wary when basking. Redbelly No reported worms and turtle sightings in fish. the wild.

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3. Testudinae Family: Species specific table

VPC Incursion status Species classification General In the wild Habitat / Image Diet Breeding description Behaviour & CaLP declaration VIC AUS Dipsochelys Individuals IPAC Serious Kept under a No reports in the Only found The Aldabra giant In the Seychelles, nesting occurs from July to may weigh up CaLP Permit wild in tortoise is highly November, during the dry season. Average clutch size dussumieri to 150 kgs. CaLP Controlled as Approved Seychelles, adaptable to harsh varies between 5 and 20 ‘tennis ball’ sized eggs and Collection it grazes on environments and incubation continues between 85-157 days, with the Zoo grass known adheres rigidly to young turtles emerging at the commencement of the Aldabra Giant CITES listed – Appendix 2 as ‘tortoise daily routine. It wet season. Approximately 80% of the eggs laid hatch Tortoise turf’. swims well and can successfully. The lifespan of these animals is up to travel up to 25kms 100 years. overland or by sea. This species is highly adaptable, they swim well and have been recorded travelling up to 25kms by water to reach a new atoll. Chelonoidis Their IPAC Extreme/ Kept under A specimen was Omnivorous, Found in rainforest Nesting occurs during the dry season in South carapace may Not listed CaLP Permit found wandering it eats regions of South America, from July to October. There are between 4 denticulata reach length of as Approved the streets on insects, fruit, America, it has long and 20 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts 4 or 5 months, 800 mms, and CaLP Controlled Collection the Gold Coast dead legs and swims well. so hatching occurs from November to March. animals can Zoo in Queensland. rodents and (Geochelone weigh up to other dead denticulata) 100 kgs. animals.

Yellow-footed Tortoise

Geochelone Their IPAC Serious Kept under 2 Animals have Herbivorous, The Star tortoise is a Mating season occurs during the monsoon (in India) carapace may CaLP Permit been seized they eat specialized arid and nesting occurs twice yearly – from May to June elegans reach a length CaLP Controlled Approved from illegal fruit, zone species. and then again in October. Each clutch contains 3-6 of 380 mms Collection trade. 2 Animals vegetables, During the dry eggs and each female can lay up to four clutches per season. Incubation of the eggs occurs between 110 to Star Tortoise and animals CITES listed – Zoo. intercepted at flowers and season it is active in 130 days. Sexual maturity is relatively early for this can weigh up Appendix 2 Fremantle, WA. leaves of the morning and to 7 kgs. succulent hides during the species, as tortoises may begin mating between 5 and plants and day. Rain provokes 6 years of age. fallen fruit. active behaviour and They also mating. It will eat carrion. hibernate when night temperatures are cool. Pre-Incursion Plan PIP002 Turtles 19

Manouria emys Their IPAC Serious Kept under No reports in the Herbivorous, Found in tropical Nesting in this south east Asian species occurs twice carapace may CaLP Permit wild. the Brown regions at altitudes yearly - in April to May and again in September to reach a length Approved Tortoise above 500m. Highly October. Around 40 eggs are laid per clutch and Brown Tortoise CaLP Controlled of 600 mms, Collection adaptable, it can hatchlings begin to emerge in only 70 days. This eats and animals Zoo. grasses, also live in dry or species is the only chelonian which actively guards the can weigh up CITES listed – broadleaved partially aquatic nest and chases predators away. to 30 kgs. Appendix 2 plants and environments. water plants. Digging shallow It may also burrows in soil to eat carrion hide, it builds its and insects. nest above ground. Mauremys Their Not listed No sightings An animal was An This species prefers After mating, the female turtle may lay 5-20 eggs that carapace can have been captured in the omnivore, it sub-tropical low hatch about 60 days. Mating occurs when needed, sinensis reach 24cm in Prohibited recorded. wild in prefers to altitude wasters they do not estivate, however breeding occurs during length, and the Toowoomba. eats insects, such as ponds, the cooler periods. Chinese stripe- shell is CITES listed – Was most likely fruit, and canals and slow- necked turtle reddish-brown Appendix 3 released from aquatic moving rivers in to black with (Endangered) captivity. vegetation. China, Taiwan, Laos yellow stripes. and Vietnam. It has a narrow head and neck with many thin creamy/yellow stripes. Testudo Their IPAC Serious It has been No reports of Herbivorous, Their habitat is Mating, for this Russian species, begins in mid-March, carapace detected in sightings in the they are specialized for once the animals emerge from winter hibernation. horsfieldii length is CaLP Controlled illegal trade. wild. 7 Animals active burrowing and they Mating starts immediately and eggs are laid between approximately intercepted in grazers, and can adapt to severe mid April and the end of May. Females lay clutches of Horsfield’s 150-250 mms. Brisbane, Qld. eat weeds climates in the up to 5 eggs, and may lay 4 clutches during the short Tortoise and grasses. steppes of Russia. laying season. Eggs hatch in approximately 100 days.

Pre-Incursion Plan PIP002 Turtles 20

4. Excursus – Red-eared Slider Turtle Trachemys scripta elegans

Following the 2013-14 and 2014-15 REST incursion in the Yarra River at Abbotsford, the below listed methods were utilised during surveillance and control operations. The information in the following table/s should be considered and read in conjunction with the information listed in this pre-plan.

Table 1: Delimitation survey options

Method Comment

1. Visual Observations Should be undertaken from early morning (6-7am) for several hours up until early afternoon (2pm) on clear, fine and sunny days. Turtles have been observed at temperatures between 18-30 degrees with optimum temperatures for observation between 22-26 degrees. Early spring (September) until early summer (December) are the best months of the year to observe turtle activity in Victoria. REST in Victoria are more active in early spring following the cold winter months. Visual observation is the best method used to validate REST reports.

2. Transect search This method hasn’t been used for REST to date in Victoria despite their documented semi- terrestrial behaviour. The use of a REST detection canine could be comparable to a transect search.

3. Hand Feeding This method was not used during this incursion, however it has been trialled and was determined as ineffective, even for REST that were known to be released pets (as undertaken at a previous incursion at Elsternwick Park Lake).

4. Seine Trapping * This method is ineffective for use in a river system due to strong currents and tidal influences, and when population numbers are very low or known to be single animals.

5. Intensive Trapping* The only form of trapping utilised as a surveillance technique were cathedral traps at locations where REST are present. These traps captured a variety of native turtles and had mixed results. Using traps in a riverine environment with high water flow and strong tidal influences was difficult. Most other traps were not suitable for use.

6. Adjacent water body survey* Nearby waterways are identified for every REST incursion for pathway analysis but the amount of time spent on visual surveillance/active trapping of these additional sites was limited.

7. Education Campaign The adjoining landowners (Collingwood Children’s Farm and Parks Victoria) were engaged and provided assistance with access and intelligence. No signage was erected for this survey due to the risk of an increase in the number of false misidentified reports, commonly Murray River short neck turtles (Emydura macquarii).

8. Detection Dog A REST detection canine was not used during this incursion and is currently unavailable as the previously used animal is now too old to work and retired. A new dog has not been trained at this stage.

9. DNA Testing of water This method was not used during this incursion and is not currently used within Victoria or samples for presence of REST Australia. The methodology and sampling techniques in particular are still under development and DNA hindered by funding uncertainty.

10. Use of a motion sensor The use of motion/heat sensing cameras has proven to be the most successful technique, triggered camera combined with visual observations, for documenting native and exotic turtle activity. Cameras are positioned on natural basking sites approximately 1-4 meters from the waters’ surface. Turtle activity is recorded for 24hours using the motion sensor and time-lapse as temperature differential between reptiles and the surrounding environment is not always high enough to trigger a detection. Infra-red or black flash cameras are recommended for use rather than white-flash cameras as these are conspicuous, especially in a built up area. Both cameras take good quality colour pictures.

N.B. Methods notated with * require a DEDJTR Fisheries permit (use of traps in Victorian inland waters)

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Table 2: Species specific delimitation options

Please refer to Table 3 for a full description of options

Option REST Comments

1 √ Highly recommended.

2 Limited application. REST sightings are usually confined to waterbodies and not land.

3 No application.

4 No application in rivers. Useful in small, still waterbodies with high population numbers.

5 √ Limited application in rivers, however still possible.

6 √ Only complete when nearby waterbodies are a likely pathway or refuge.

7 √ Recommended but must be targeted.

8 √ Recommended if available.

9 Technology is currently unavailable.

10 √ Highly recommended.

Table 3: Detection, control, monitoring and breeding calendar

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Detection √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Control √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Monitoring √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Breeding √ √ √ √ √

N.B. Green shading represents optimal times for detection, control and monitoring based on observed species behaviour in Victoria. This information may vary according to the seasonal conditions.

Table 4: Brief description of eradication and containment options

Method Comments

1. Capture by hand or This is a highly effective method of control that has been successful in Victoria especially when animals are handheld net moving across land. During this incursion, a landing net was successful in capturing the animal. This was attempted on several occasions, however mostly in small boats/punts. The successful capture was achieved from a kayak. The animal must be basking or visible and carefully approached. Approaching an animal from down-wind of its location may contribute to a successful result.

2. Trap in Cathedral Cathedral traps have been successful in catching native turtles in both lakes and rivers. Nets should be traps baited with sheep or beef heart, banana, cantaloupe or an oily fish (mackerel) to produce a strong odour through the waterway. Turtles’ sense of smell is much better than their eyesight, however they are attracted to bright red, pink or orange coloured objects. The limitations of these traps are the soak times and their potential to capture air-breathing aquatic mammals.

3. Trap in Opera traps Opera traps were not used during this incursion due to strong water flows and tidal currents..

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Table 4: Brief description of eradication and containment options

Method Comments

4. Trap in Basking traps Basking traps were not used in the Yarra River due to their limited capability for anchoring. They also & landing nets would have proved a navigational hazard for recreational users of the water. Traps would also need to be checked every 24 hours, limiting the soak times. Basking traps, in comparison with other trap types, have been utilised in lakes in the past with varied success. These traps have captured native turtle species during other incursions.

5. Trap in Seine net Seine nets are appropriate for small, still waterbodies with high populations. Unsuitable as opposed to river systems that are tidal and fast moving., The method has been trialled in Victoria at Elsternwick Lake however proved labour intensive and a poor result.

6. Trap in Fyke net The use of fyke nets in Victoria has proven to be highly unsuccessful for trapping native and exotic turtles, both. They are only useful in relatively still or slow-moving waterways.

7. Draining water bodies This method is not possible for river systems. however It can, however be highly effective used in conjunction with pitfall traps and containment fencing to isolate animals in a dam or small lake <1 hectare in size.

8. Pitfall trapping and This method is not suitable for a site with high public access i.e. a river or lake. Pitfall trapping and fencing fencing is highly effective for removing REST with high population numbers when used in conjunction with draining a waterbody.

9. Detector dog As the previously used REST detection canine is retired, it was not used during this incursion. The canine is very effective at determining REST presence/absence at a waterbody. Whether the dog also detects native turtle activity is unknown, however thought likely, based on its most recent visit to Victoria in early 2011.

10. Diving This method was not undertaken for safety reasons. The unlikely chance of its success determined its omission.

11. Electro-fishing Electrofishing does not affect turtles and therefore the method is unsuitable.

12. Shooting Shooting REST, a highly successful and target specific method, was being investigated for this incursion prior to the animal being captured. It is suitable for most locations where the volume and frequency of public access allows.

13. Poisoning This technique was not investigated as poisoning a waterbody results in high non-target damage. Poisoning would only be considered for a farm dam, not a highly naturalised environment.

14. Environmental This method was not investigated and is feasible only for high population numbers use in an already vastly alteration modified environment i.e. a farm dam. Environmental alteration is not suitable for use in river systems.

15. Terrestrial trapping REST in the wild are generally not observed in terrestrial environments for any length of time. They are, however often picked up on roads by passing motorists when migrating or as escaped pets.

Table 5: Species specific eradication and containment options

Please refer to Table 7 for a full description of options

Option REST Comments

1 √ Highly recommended.

2 √ Highly recommended.

3 √ Highly recommended where possible.

4 √ Recommended where possible .

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Table 5: Species specific eradication and containment options

Please refer to Table 7 for a full description of options

Option REST Comments

5 Not suitable.

6 √ Only recommended where practical.

7 √ Not recommended. Only as a last option.

8 √ Not recommended. Only as a last option.

9 √ Recommended if available for use.

10 Not recommended.

11 Not effective on turtles.

12 √ Highly recommended.

13 √ Suitable but consideration for off-target damage.

14 Not suitable.

15 Not practical, opportunely undertaken.

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References

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2013. AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition. AVMA Version 2013.0.1: 76-77.

Biosecurity Queensland .2007c. Red-eared slider turtle. Warning. Declared Class 1 brochure, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland

Bomford, M. 2003. Risk-Assessment for the Import and Keeping of Exotic Vertebrates in Australia. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.

Bonin, F., Devaux, B. and Dupre, A. 2006. Turtles of the World. A & C Black Publishers, Ltd. London.

Brown, D.J., DeVolld, B., and Forstner, M.R.J., 2011. Escapes from Hoop Nets by Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys Scripta). The Southern Naturalist 56(1): 124-127.

Bureau of Animal Welfare. 2003. Code of Practice for the welfare of animals – Private keeping of reptiles. Department of Primary Industries, Attwood, Victoria

Cadi, A, Delmas, V., Prevot-Julliard, A., Joly, P., Pieua, C. and Girondot, M. 2004. Successful reproduction of the introduced slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) in the south of France. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. 14: 237-246.

Cadi, A. and Joly, P. 2003. Competition for basking places between the endangered European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis galloitalica) and the introduced red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). Can Journal of Zoology 81: 1392- 1398.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel Victoria 2014. Catchment & Land Protection Act 1994, No.52 of 1994: Authorised version incorporating amendments as at 1 October 2014. Published by ANSTAT with authority of the Government Printer for the State of Victoria.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel Victoria 2015. Firearms Act 1996, No.66 of 1996: Authorised version incorporating amendments as at 1 December 2015. Published by ANSTAT with authority of the Government Printer for the State of Victoria.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel Victoria 2015. Fisheries Act 1995, No.92 of 1995: Authorised version incorporating amendments as at 16 December 2015. Published by ANSTAT with authority of the Government Printer for the State of Victoria.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel Victoria 2015. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, No.46 of 1986: Authorised version incorporating amendments as at 23 December 2015. Published by ANSTAT with authority of the Government Printer for the State of Victoria.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel Victoria 2015. Wildlife Act 1975, No.8699 of 1975: Authorised version incorporating amendments as at 1 August 2015. Published by ANSTAT with authority of the Government Printer for the State of Victoria.

Cox, A. and Booth, C. 2015. Green Probe: Rising Inequalities – An unending flow of new invaders. Wildlife Australia Magazine, 34-37.

Crosswhite, D.L., Fox, S.F. and Thill, R.E. 1999. Comparison of Methods for Monitoring Reptiles and Amphibians in Upland Forests of the Ouachita Mountains. Proc. Okla. Acad. Sci. 79:45-50

Davy, C.M., Kidd, A.G., and Wilson, C.C. 2015. Development and Validation of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Markers for detection of Freshwater Turtles. Journal PLOS ONE 10.1371 July 2015, 1-13.

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Department of Agriculture and Food WA. 2009. Animal Pest Alert. Red-eared slider turtle. Vertebrate Pest Section, Forrestfield, Perth. Document available electronically at: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/pw/vp/toad/red-earedslideralert.pdf

Environmental Protection Agency. COP Wildlife: Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry. Brisbane, Queensland.

Ficetola, G.F, Miaud, C, Pompanon, F. and Taberlet, P. 2008. Species detection using environmental DNA from water samples. Biology Letters 4: 423-425.

Gamble, T. 2006. The relative efficiency of basking and hoop traps for painted turtles. Herpetological Review 37 (3): 308- 312.

Gist, D.H. and Congdon, J.D. 1998. Oviductal sperm storage as a reproductive tactic of turtles. The Journal of Experimental Zoology. 282: 526-534.

Howard, K. and Clemann, N. 2009. Guidelines for catching, handling and processing freshwater turtles in Victoria. Arthur Rylah Institute, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, Victoria. http://www.australiazoo.com/our-animals/amazing- animals/reptiles/?reptile=tortoises_and_turtles&animal=alligator_snapping_turtle http://www.feral.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/REST_Workshop_April2006.pdf http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Easternboxturtle.cfm http://www.tortoise.org/archives/snapping.html

Hutchens, S.J. and DePerno, C.S. 2009. Efficacy of sampling techniques for determining species richness estimates of reptiles and amphibians. Wildlife Biology 15: 113-122

Institutional Animal Care and Use Facility. Zoonoses of fish, amphibians and reptiles. Austin Peay State University, Tennessee.

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Lehrer, J. 1990. Turtles and Tortoises: a photographic survey. Headline Publishing PLC Book, London

Mali, I., Brown, D.J., Ferrato, J.R. and Forstner, M.R.J. 2014. Sampling Freshwater Turtle Populations Using Hoop Nets: Testing Potential Biases. Wildlife Society Bulletin 38(3): 580-585.

Mali, I., Brown, D.J., Jones, M.C., Forstner, M.R.J. 2012. Switching Bait as a Method to Improve Freshwater Turtle Capture and Recapture Success with Hoop Net Traps. South-eastern Naturalist 11(2): 311-318.

Mali, I., Haynes, D. and Forstner, M.R.J. 2014. Effects of Bait Type, Bait Age, and Trap Hours on Capture Success of Freshwater Turtles. South-eastern Naturalist 13(3): 619-625.

Massam, M, Kirkpatrick, W and Page, A. 2010. Assessment and prioritisation of risk for forty introduced animal species. Invasive animals Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra.

Meek, P, Fleming, P, Ballard, G, Banks, P and Claridge, A 2014. Camera Trapping – Wildlife Management and Research. CSIRO Publishing.

O’Keeffe, S. 2006. Red eared Slider Turtle Eradication Project – Pest Management Manual, Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water.

Paterson, J.E., Steinberg, B.D. and Litzgus, J.D. 2012. Generally specialised or especially general? Habitat selection by Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentine) in central Ontario. Can. Journal of Zoology 90: 139-149.

Perez-Santigosa, N., Florencio, M., Hidalgo-Vila, J. and Diaz-Paniagua, C. 2011. Does the exotic invader, Trachemys scripta elegans, compete for food with coexisting native turtles? Amphibia-Reptilia 32: 167-175.

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Polo-Cavia, N., Lopez, P. and Martin, J. 2011. Aggressive interactions during feeding between native and invasive freshwater turtles. Biological Invasions 13: 1387-1396.

Prevot-Julliard, A.C., Gousset, E., Archinard, C., Cadi, A. and Girondot, M. 2007. Pets and invasion risks: is the slider turtle strictly carnivorous? Amphibia-Reptilia 28: 139-143.

Reilly, J.S. 2001. Euthanasia of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes, ANZCCART, Department of Environmental Biology, Adelaide University, Adelaide

Roberts, M.F. 1988. Turtles. TFH Publications, Neptune City

Ryan, T.J., Peterman, W.E., Stephens, J.D. and Sterrett, S.C. 2014. Movement and habitat use of the snapping turtle in an urban landscape. Urban Ecosyst 17: 613-623.

Serena, M., Grant, T.R. and Williams, G.A. 2015. Reducing bycatch mortality in crustacean traps: Effect of trap design on platypus and yabby retention rates. Fisheries Research 175 (2016) 43-50.

Tucker, J.K. and Lamer, J.T. 2008. Homing in the Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) in Illinois. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 7(1): 145-149.

Vertebrate Pests Committee. Revised July 2007. List of Exotic Vertebrate Animals in Australia

Photographic References sourced on 09/03/2010 & 14/7/2015

Species Website

Common Snapping Turtle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geochelone_denticulata

Alligator Snapping Turtle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrochelys_temminckii

Box Turtle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrapene_carolina_bauri

Red-eared Slider Turtle Photo courtesy of Miranda Green, Victorian DEDJTR

Alabama Redbelly Turtle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama_red-bellied_turtle

Aldabra Giant Tortoise http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsochelys_dussumieri

Yellow footed Tortoise http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geochelone_denticulata

Star Tortoise http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Indian_Star_Tortoise.jpg

Brown Tortoise http://www.jcvi.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Manouria&species=emys

Horsfield’s Tortoise http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsfield%27s_tortoise

Chinese Striped-neck Turtle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ocadia_sinensis.jpg

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