Saving Our Snake-Necked Turtle (SOSNT)

The Saving Our Snake-Necked Turtle (SOSNT) project is a citizen science and community engagement program to help conserve the southwestern snake-necked turtle.

The project aims to:

  • Save the southwestern snake-necked turtle populations from further decline and potential extinction.

  • Increase public awareness of southwestern snake-necked turtles and empower the southwestern WA community to contribute to turtle conservation

  • Create dedicated teams of ‘Turtle Trackers’ at wetlands/rivers throughout the southwestern snake-necked turtle's range to protect nesting females and their nests.

  • Create management plans for the species, both generally and at select wetlands.

The project relies on hundreds of people across Perth and the Southwest volunteering to become citizen scientists and helping to observe and map turtle activity. For more information about how to volunteer, please click the ‘Get Involved’ button below:

Latest News & Events

Latest News & Events

Why be a turtle tracker?

  • "Made new friends while doing something that is helping nature."

    Cockburn Turtle Tracker

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  • "Increased knowledge on turtles, contribution to an important cause, increased community engagement & interest in turtles."

    Canning Turtle Tracker

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  • "Seeing turtles nesting was great!!!"

    Friends of Big Swap/Leschenault Turtle Tracker

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  • "When we were guiding a turtle back to the lake and the traffic stopped, people took photos and then thanked us for our efforts."

    Cockburn Turtle Tracker

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  • "Being in nature and seeing wildlife was amazing - having time to relax after/before busy day at work."

    Cockburn Turtle Tracker

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  • "The best things were feeling like I was doing something to help this species with a like-minded group of people. It was great when I saw turtles and could help them back to the water and protect their nests."

    Stirling Turtle Tracker

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  • "I loved being part of this program and so did my kids. We learned a lot about turtles and became so much more aware of their movements and nesting sights. The overall experience was so positive and rewarding."

    Cockburn Turtle Tracker

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  • "Best parts were being out in nature and seeing all the native flora and fauna and observing changes over the 6 weeks. Equally the passion and camaraderie of the group and participation in such a worthwhile venture."

    Cockburn Turtle Tracker

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  • "Getting to know the area well and watching all the wild life on and around the lake. Seeing the interest of local residents grow as they got involved in looking for and report siting turtles."

    Bayswater Turtle Tracker

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  • “The thrill of seeing the turtles and understanding their activity and helping/protecting them from birds etc.”

    Melville Turtle Tracker

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  • "The best was learning about turtles, knowing how to check if they were females or males, I also like to be in the community informing other people what to do in case they see a turtle, informing about the app and rescuing turtles."

    Stirling Turtle Tracker

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  • "The advancement of citizen science that allows the community to be involved in active conservation."

    Bayswater Turtle Tracker

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Interacting with wildlife

While ‘Turtle Trackers’ are trained to help protect snake-necked turtles through monitoring and the installation of nest guards, it is important that you do not handle wildlife. Wildlife can become stressed, increasing the risk of injury (scratches) to the handler. Turtles crossing the road can be helped by stopping your vehicle and allowing them to cross – do not carry the turtle. 

If you do encounter injured wildlife, please contact Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 immediately. 

This project is supported by the following project partners… 

FOUNDERS

PLATINUM PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

SUPPORTERS