The Symposium for Australasian Turtles, held on 16–17 June 2025 at the Coffs Coast Adventure Centre in Bonville, New South Wales, brought together a diverse group of scientists, community groups, citizen scientists, NGOs, and government staff. This symposium focused on sharing new research findings and firsthand accounts of successes and challenges in turtle conservation and ecology, especially concerning threatened species and relevant taxon.
Purpose of the event
The symposium aimed to facilitate discussions on various aspects of turtle conservation, including ecology, physiology, conservation practices, husbandry, and policy. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, the event sought to enhance collaborative efforts and inform future conservation strategies to protect threatened species and those on the edge.
BMRG attendance and presentation
Representatives from the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) attended the symposium to share insights from their ongoing projects in the Burnett Mary region, in particular the recent discovery of white-throated snapping turtle nests and juveniles in the Baffle catchment, adding to their earlier expansion of distribution for this species. Their presentation highlighted collaborative initiatives with Traditional Owners and local communities, emphasising the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in conservation planning and implementation. Such efforts are crucial as they align with the criteria set by conservation bodies to protect the natural habitat and combat threats that lead to high risk for turtle species.
Benefits gained from attendance
BMRG's participation in the symposium offered several key benefits:
- Knowledge exchange: Engaging with experts and peers provided BMRG with the latest research findings and innovative conservation practices. This enriched their capacity to implement effective strategies and helped in understanding the best available evidence for conservation in the Burnett Mary region.
- Strengthened partnerships: The event facilitated connections scientists, and conservation organisations. Such partnerships are crucial for comprehensive conservation efforts aimed at protecting diverse species that might be classified as data deficient or near threatened.
- Inspiration and innovation: Learning about successful projects and overcoming challenges in other regions inspired BMRG to explore new approaches, adapt proven methods, and ensure our efforts are aligned with best practice to guide and integrate our actions.
By participating in the Symposium for Australasian Turtles, BMRG reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative, culturally respectful, and data-driven conservation efforts, aiming to protect and enhance the natural environment of the Burnett Mary region.