Current Projects

Pignosed Turtles of the Kikori Learn More? The pig-nosed turtle is important to the people of the Kikori region because of the value placed on its meat and eggs for food. This project aims to gather strategic data on the nesting biology and harvest of the pig-nosed turtle in the Kikori to inform effective community action for conservation and and for sustainable use of this important resource. Funded by Oil Search Ltd and WWF(PNG)[Georges, Eisemberg, Yaru].

The New Guinea-Australia Nexus Learn More? Using molecular approaches to probe biogeographical relationships between Australian and New Guinean freshwater turtles. An Hermon Slade Foundation Project [Georges].

Sex in Dragons: Probing the Genetic Basis of Sex Determination Learn More? We are using novel genetic, molecular and cytological approaches to discover genes and chromosomes that control sex determination in the GSD species, and to explore their homologues in the TSD species. An ARC Discovery Project [Marshall-Graves, Sarre, Georges].

Broadshelled Turtles in the Riverland and beyond Learn More? Are broadshelled turtles rare and endangered or cryptic and secure? What are the drivers of their success in the lower Murray's riverland? This study will also look at molecular evidence of recent invasion of the Murray-Darling drainage system following the last glacial period. An ARC Linkage Project [Georges, Hutchinson, Donnellan].

Recently Completed Projects

The Hidden Life of the Common Snake-necked Turtle Learn More? Possibly our most well-studied turtle, yet radio-tracking is yielding many surprises on its secret terrestrial sojourns. Funded by the VC Scholarship Scheme [Roe].

Conservation Biology of the Royal Turtle Learn More? Until recently thought extinct in Cambodia, the Royal Turtle, Batagur baska, may be making a comeback. A Wildlife Conservation Society Project [Holloway].

Regulating Wildlife Trade Learn More? Developing molecular techniques for monitoring trade in our native wildlife -- a case study using the northern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina rugosa). An AFP funded Project [Georges].

Aboriginal Harvest of Snake-necked Turtles Learn More? Assisting the Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation to establish an indigenous enterprise based on the sustainable harvest of northern snake-necked turtles (Chelodina rugosa). An ARC Linkage Project [Georges].