PREVIEW

Three endangered freshwater turtle species have successfully hatched. The significant achievement is part of Australian conservation group Aussie Ark's breeding and rewilding efforts for the Manning River, Bell's River, and Hunter River turtles. Currently, 72 eggs have successfully hatched. lthough the hatchlings are only about the size of a thumbnail, they are full of character. As the young turtles tussle and consume bits of food, their primal, dinosaur-like nature becomes evident. However, despite their ancient lineage, these turtles are not immune to contemporary threats, particularly from feral predators. Foxes are known to prey on turtle eggs and younglings, so Aussie Ark intervenes by nurturing the hatchlings until they reach a size where they can be safely reintroduced into their natural river habitats.