Project Coordinator, Sally Roberts, says that over the past 12 months hundreds of short-necked and long-necked tortoises have been rescued from the Lower Lakes region, most of them found suffering from tubeworm infestation.

“The occurrence of tubeworm in the Lower Lakes is a symptom of the rising salinity levels, which comes as a result of the extended drought,” she said.

“Tubeworms can be fatal, as they attach to the shell of the tortoises and create a hard calcium mass, up to a few inches thick.This can weigh the tortoise down and cover the openings of the shell, which restricts the animal’s movement and capacity to feed. Tubeworm encrustment can also make the tortoise vulnerable to predation. After several months of rehabilitation by volunteers, long- and short-necked tortoises were released into a suitable environment at Zadows Landing, just north of Murray Bridge, a location well-suited to the habitat requirements of the short-necked tortoises. Short-necked tortoises are more water dependent and need to be near a permanent water source. Long-necked tortoises tend to be more adaptable to their environment; they can occupy water bodies that are further away from a permanent water source and have the ability to travel to a more suitable habitat if need be. Dedicated and experienced volunteers have spent many hours cleaning, housing and feeding the short-necked tortoises that were released," she said.

Ms Roberts says, “Being involved in the rehabilitation of tortoises can be a highly rewarding experience, especially when you have the chance to witness their successful release back into the wild.”

Anyone who rescues a tortoise in the Lower Lakes region is advised to take it to Chris and Robin Smith, Native Animal Network, phone (08) 8555 1657 or Paul Jude, Milang Campus, phone (08) 8537 0223.

For more information about the Tortoise Project, please contact Sally Roberts, Tortoise Project Coordinator, on 0458 687 565.