Rumours of an unusual creature living in an outback waterhole have proven to be true. Those who reside deep in the heart of Australia are probably familiar with tall tales about a “ninja turtle” evading capture in Ellery Creek Big Hole — a 20-metre-deep waterhole roughly 90km west of Alice Springs.
Determined to get to the bottom of the whispers, the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife recently assigned a senior ranger to the case. However, when Phill started searching Ellery Creek, located in Tjoritja, otherwise known as West MacDonnell National Park, he got a little more than he bargained for.
Not only did he capture the creature in question, but he discovered there’s more than one turtle lurking in the water.
Given the animals are not native to Central Australia, they were likely dumped in the creek by humans, authorities said.
“As people leave Alice Springs for the summer, the number of pets dumped in our National Parks increases,” NT Parks and Wildlife, which received reports of another turtle dumped at Simpsons Gap just last week, explained.
“Tell your friends: pet turtles are a lifelong commitment.”
Many pet fish species also outcompete our native fishes. Source: NT Parks and Wildlife
Do you have a story? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com
Aussies dumping pets in NT National Parks could cop $1200 fine
Pet owners may believe that they’re doing the right thing by releasing such creatures into the environment, but the act is actually detrimental.
It can also earn you a fine of over $1,200, wildlife authorities said.
“Pet turtles can live anywhere between 25 to 60 years, and when introduced to the wild, they negatively impact our aquatic ecosystems through erosion and outcompeting our native wildlife, such as fish and frogs,” they added.
Many pet fish species also outcompete our native fish.
Earlier this year, park rangers also found guppies in the Emily Gap waterhole.
“Pet owners may think they are giving the tiny fish a better life, however, introducing pet fish into our waterways also introduces harmful diseases that native fish species would not otherwise contract,” NT Parks and Wildlife said.
As most locals will know, “permanent waterholes are scarce in the desert and need to be protected for all plant and animal life”.
Instead of dumping turtles and fish in the wild, people are urged to contact their local pet shop or NT wildlife rangers by calling:
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
