The first extensive study of one of Australia's most unique rivers in decades has revealed the rare and endangered species that call it home aren't bouncing back like they should be.
"You know this might be our last best chance to do something to recover these species before it's too late," he said.Queensland's Mary River is home to the prehistoric Australian lungfish, the critically endangered Mary River cod and the endangered Mary River turtle — famous for breathing through its bum.
But it's been battered by floods, droughts, farming and invasive species, including the pest fish tilapia whose numbers were up in this survey. "We're also enhancing the habitat for baby turtles with sticks and snags in the water, so they can hatch and hide in there to protect them in the first year or two of life."The project is also exploring new ways to bring traditional owners, land care groups and scientists together.Yinnaburra man BJ Murphy visited parts of the river for the first time during the study.
Better access to private land has been a major game changer for scientists too, with more farmers who lease or own tracts of the Mary River granting access during the study."They're very passionate and I'm happy to have them here," Mr Ryan said."We want to leave the land in much better conditions than when I found it. If I can leave it that much better that will be important to me," he said.
Good News Mary River Endangered And Threatened Species Turtles Mary River Cod Conservation Australian Lungfish Australian Rivers Institute
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