Critically Endangered Turtle Lays First Eggs As Part Of Conservation Program

A Manning River turtle has laid eggs for the first time in a captive breeding program. Conservationists say they are "shaking with excitement" after the discovery run by conservation organisation Aussie Ark and the Australian Reptile Park, on the NSW Central Coast. The Manning River turtle is endemic to the Manning River on the NSW Mid North Coast but its numbers are extremely low, largely due to predation of nest sites by foxes and pigs. The eggs are expected to hatch in approximately two months. The young turtles will receive care within the Conservation Ark for a year before being reintroduced to their natural aquatic habitat.