New conservation project announcement: eastern Australia 🇦🇺
We are pleased to announce a new conservation initiative in Australia, an area dense with turtle species in need of conservation action. Working with local partner, the Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management (BMRG) we have expanded our work to support the Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus), classified as Endangered, and the White-throated Snapping Turtle (Elseya albagula), not evaluated by the IUCN, but recognized as Critically Endangered by the Australian Government.
“We are excited to partner with BMRG to expand our conservation efforts in Australia. The Burnett Mary region is home to unique freshwater turtle species that require the strongest conservation science and community engagement we can deliver. BMRG’s regional expertise makes them the ideal partner for this important work.” – Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, President and CEO of TSA
We look forward to working with BMRG to implement conservation initiatives for these species including genomic research for species recovery strategies, community-based habitat restoration initiatives, national turtle conservation workshop facilitation, and integration of traditional ecological knowledge.
Header image: Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus); IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux and the BMRG team in the field in Australia, June 2025:
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About Turtle Survival Alliance
Formed in 2001 and gaining nonprofit status in 2004, Turtle Survival Alliance is a global conservation organization with a mission to protect and restore wild populations of turtles through science-based conservation, global leadership, and local stewardship. Our science-based initiatives are directed by local leaders, inspiring sustainable, community-based stewardship to prevent extinctions. Where populations cannot yet thrive in the wild, our conservation breeding programs preserve opportunities for their future survival. Turtle Survival Alliance operates or supports projects in 30 countries around the world, protecting critical habitats and providing on-the-ground resources to safeguard the most imperiled turtle and tortoise species. Through these efforts, we make a positive impact on well over 100 species of turtles and tortoises. For more information, join the conversation and learning experience on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
