1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program
Biohaven Islands
These vibrant ecosystems create underwater nurseries for young life, while above-water havens provide safe nesting sites.
Above & Below: Explore Science with Sleek Geeks
Are you ready to explore the world above and below the water’s surface?
The Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is calling on creative young minds to craft a short, fun, and engaging science video! This is your chance to:
- Get creative and make a science video that wows the judges
- Think outside the shell and explore big ideas in new ways
- Compete for amazing prizes and share your science storytelling
The competition is student-led, so bring your ideas to life! Need inspiration? Look around—science is everywhere, above and below!
check out our teachers resources
Click below to discover the full suite of teachers resources
On this page, you will find a variety of learning resources developed for Year 5/6 (Upper Primary) school students in Australia. Your students will get to learn more about freshwater turtles, threats, habitat, how to set up a nest predation survey and more. There are available for Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4.
have old turtle photos?
Upload into TurtleSAT with a Few Clicks
TurtleSAT has a new feature called 'Bulk Image Upload' which makes it easier to submit any turtle photos that you have not submitted to TurtleSAT. With this new feature, all you need to do is login to TurtleSAT, drag and drop the turtle photos, select a couple of options (e.g., are the photos of dead or live turtles) and click submit.
Click below to learn more about this feature and how to use it.
More About the Program
The 1 Million Turtles is a national community conservation citizen science program. This program promotes a strong collaboration between scientists and the community to support initiatives aimed at conserving threatened Australian freshwater turtle species.
The program creates opportunities for the community to actively learn, participate and contribute to freshwater turtle research and conservation. This is achieved through a variety of activities suitable for different interests and skill levels. Watch the video below for more information.
The program is currently funded via a grant from the Inspiring Australia Citizen Science Grant - Round 2.
our program aims
Increase survival rates of freshwater turtles and turtle nests, and by doing so, increase our turtle populations by at least 1 million. Hence the program name '1 Million Turtles'.
Increase survival rates of freshwater turtles and turtle nests, and by doing so, increase our turtle populations by at least 1 million. Hence the program name '1 Million Turtles'.
Increase survival rates of freshwater turtles and turtle nests, and by doing so, increase our turtle populations by at least 1 million. Hence the program name '1 Million Turtles'.
Increase knowledge of freshwater turtle distributions across Australia and identify hotspots for future conservation.
Increase survival rates of freshwater turtles and turtle nests, and by doing so, increase our turtle populations by at least 1 million. Hence the program name '1 Million Turtles'.
Increase survival rates of freshwater turtles and turtle nests, and by doing so, increase our turtle populations by at least 1 million. Hence the program name '1 Million Turtles'.
Train the community in methods that promote turtle conservation, like how to save a turtle on a road, or protect a turtle nest.
Increase survival rates of freshwater turtles and turtle nests, and by doing so, increase our turtle populations by at least 1 million. Hence the program name '1 Million Turtles'.
Train the community in methods that promote turtle conservation, like how to save a turtle on a road, or protect a turtle nest.
Get Trained to help protect turtle nests
As turtle nesting season continues in some states, it is never too late to get trained to help protect freshwater turtle nests. As nesting increases, so does the impact from foxes as they dig up the nests to consume turtle eggs. Getting trained early gives you the opportunity to practice and be ready before the nesting season rolls in again later this year.
Your help really matters!
To learn more and start your training today, click here.
Photo Credit: Dr Donald McKnight
in the Spotlight
A/Prof Ricky Spencer's talk at Penrith
A/Prof Ricky Spencer's talk at Penrith
A/Prof Ricky Spencer's talk at Penrith
A/Prof Ricky Spencer delivered a talk at the Science at the Local Library at Penrith. You can now download the slides from his fascinating talk from the 'Resources and Activities' page by clicking below.
Recent news about our Eureka Win
A/Prof Ricky Spencer's talk at Penrith
A/Prof Ricky Spencer's talk at Penrith
This article was published via the Western Sydney University celebrating the proud moment of our 2023 Eureka Prize win for Innovation in Citizen Science.
Have you come across any roadkill turtles IN VICTORIA?
We need your help for an important research study by Dr. Lígia Pizzatto from La Trobe University
Dr. Lígia Pizzatto from La Trobe University is collecting roadkill turtles in Victoria for her conservation research: DNA, diet, parasites (and much more).
If you would like more information or to help - please contact her at L.pizzattodoPrado@latrobe.edu.au
If you find dead turtles on a road in VICTORIA, please collect and freeze it, and she will arrange for a pick up. Ligia will give you her permit number to enable you to collect it. Your help really matters!
Download the call-out poster below with all the information provided here.
Photo Source: TurtleSAT