Perth Voice Interactive

IS there an oblong turtle thief on the loose in Bayswater?

The local council is sticking its neck out and alleging more than 30 of the reptiles have been stolen from a “secure” enclosure at the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary. Ironically, around 70 had been moved to the enclosure for protection while the wetlands undergo a $2.9 million restoration.

Bayswater mayor Sylvan Albert was astonished to learn so many had vanished and said the population would take a long time to recover.

“It would appear someone has gone to great lengths to get to, and illegally capture, the wetland turtles,” he says.

“Notwithstanding this, we are also looking into the possibility of predation.

“Extra on-site measures to prevent theft and predation have now been implemented.”

The oblong turtle is a shy fellow and, suffering from stress-related illnesses, doesn’t tend to make a good pet. Regardless, it has recently been making inroads into the pet market.

In the wild it eats small fish, tadpoles, insects, frogs, small crayfish, freshwater prawns and carrion.

It can be commonly found in permanent waterways in the far south-west of WA and has the ability to aestivate—a form of mild hibernation—during long periods of drought.

Cr Albert says the suspected theft has been reported to the WA parks and wildlife department.

“If you have seen or do see anything suspicious around the bird sanctuary, please contact our ranger and security service on 9272 0972,” he urges.

“We especially would like to hear from people who believe they have information about who allegedly took the turtles.”

But don’t pick up one, as it often emits a foul odour from its scent glands when handled.

The sanctuary upgrade should prevent around 40 tonnes of general rubbish, 1.3 tonnes of nitrogen and 200kg of phosphorous from entering the Swan River every year.

The Voice contacted the police but they said they were unaware of any missing turtles.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK