Around this time of year, as the swamps are filling up, Western Swamp Tortoises are leaving their summer hideout and returning to the water to feed. Over the summer the tortoises remained inactive by aestivating, but what does this mean? Throughout winter and spring the tortoises need to fatten up…

Some interesting and some sad developments from the Recovery Team meeting. A possible new site to be investigated for tortoise habitat in the longer term – Benger Swamp. One male tortoise in the new captive breeding colony at Adelaide Zoo has died. Investigations as to why. Possibility of some scholarships…

The Friends Group has recently purchased three of Guundie Kuchling’s books about the Western Swamp Tortoise. Yakkinn the Swamp Tortoise: The most dangerous year follows the life of Yakkinn from hatchling to 12 months old. Delightful illustrations and evocative text helps children understand the problems facing Western Swamp Tortoises in…

It’s not often you get an invitation to make the difference between life and death, is it? Well here it is: your invitation to join a group of dedicated volunteers (Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise) who have one important aim in common – to save the critically endangered Western…

With only around 300 alive, the Western Swamp Tortoise remains Australia’s most endangered reptile. But recent achievements by the Recovery Team offer some hope for their future… They’re not warm, furry or cuddly in any conventional sense. They have appealing eyes, but not of the baby type. A sharp beady…