Species Diversity

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Tuckerbil - A story by Nella Smith
Murrumbidgee
Species Diversity
June 24, 2025

Stories of Connection: Tuckerbil Wetlands - A story by Nella Smith

This story from Nella Smith shares her deep connection to Tuckerbil Wetlands, a Ramsar-listed site near Leeton that provides vital refuge for rare and migratory birds, including brolga, bitterns and black swans.

Nella Smith
Dr Fleur Stelling
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Image: Glossy ibis in flight (Plegadis falcinellus). Photo credit, Warren Chad
Murrumbidgee
Species Diversity
June 23, 2025

A collection of threatened and migratory species of the Murrumbidgee Valley

A range of threatened species make their home in and around the Murrumbidgee. These include brolgas, Australasian bitterns, southern bell frogs, and many other species. Knowing where these animals live is important. This information guides decisions about where and when to use wa

Dr Fleur Stelling
Ashleigh Pengelly
Professor Skye Wassens
Karunya Prasad
Professor Andrew Hall
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The southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis) is one of the threatened species that AI could help protect. Photo credit: Charles Sturt University
Species Diversity
June 16, 2025

Artificial intelligence helping protect threatened species

Researchers are using AI to predict habitat conditions for threatened species like frogs and waterbirds, helping guide environmental water management. Learn how data-driven models improve decision-making for protecting the southern bell frog.

Jane Thomas
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Feature image credit: Emmalie Sanders.
Murrumbidgee
Species Diversity
April 4, 2024

Rakali research in the Murrumbidgee

PhD student Emmalie Sanders studies rakali in the Murrumbidgee, uncovering their habits and habitats to aid conservation efforts for these unique water rats.

Emmalie Sanders
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Murrumbidgee
Species Diversity
April 3, 2024

The water requirements of the endangered Australasian bittern

Scientists use audio recorders to track the elusive Australasian bittern, revealing how water management can boost breeding success in key wetlands.

Professor Skye Wassens
Dr Elizabeth Znidersic
Dr Sarah Talbot
Professor Andrew Hall
Dr Jennifer Spencer
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Photo credit: Michael Griffin and Nicole McCasker, Charles Sturt University.
Mid-Murray
Species Diversity
February 21, 2024

Where have all the freshwater mussels gone?

It wasn’t that long ago that freshwater mussels numbered in their “hundreds of thousands” throughout the Murray-Darling Basin. Now, researchers use sonar to find them, aiming to restore these vital filter feeders to their former glory.

Margrit Beemster
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An Eastern Long-Necked turtle. Image credit: Anna Turner.
Murrumbidgee
Species Diversity
December 14, 2023

Higher diversity of turtle species observed at wetland sites which receive environmental water delivery

Environmental water delivery boosts turtle diversity in Murrumbidgee wetlands, aiding the survival of three unique freshwater species through targeted efforts.

Dr Anna Turner
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Gingham Waterhole of the Gwydir Wetlands following rainfall and environmental flows in 2020. Plenty of water and habitat available to support the diversity of life the wetlands host. Photos credit: University of New England.
Gwydir
Species Diversity
March 8, 2021

A turtles go with no flow

Explore how turtles in the Gwydir Wetlands adapted to extreme drought, showcasing their resilience and the importance of environmental water flows.

Flow-MER
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Photos supplied by Damian Michael and Gaye Bourke, Charles Sturt University.
Murrumbidgee
Species Diversity
January 4, 2021

Life on a tree – monitoring arboreal lizards in floodplain environments

Explore how artificial bark covers reveal the hidden lives of tree-dwelling lizards, frogs, and spiders in the Murrumbidgee wetlands.

Eva Moore
Associate Professor Damian Michael
Gaye Bourke
Professor Skye Wassens
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A Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) looking for water in the grass.
Mid-Murray
Species Diversity
December 15, 2020

Tracking turtles in the Edward/Kolety River system

Join James Van Dyke's team as they track Murray River turtles, revealing how wetland connectivity impacts their movement and survival.

Dr James Van Dyke
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The grey snake (hemiapsis damelii).
Murrumbidgee
Species Diversity
February 20, 2020

Water for the environment assists an endangered snake

Environmental water transforms the Murray-Darling Basin, reviving endangered grey snakes and enriching wetland ecosystems with thriving frog populations.

Associate Professor Damian Michael
Gaye Bourke
Professor Skye Wassens
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Webinars

Role of winter environmental watering in supporting declining freshwater turtle populations

Role of winter environmental watering in supporting declining freshwater turtle populations

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Artwork credit: Wiradjuri Artist Rebecca Salcole
Acknowledgement of Country

The Flow-MER Program team acknowledges the First Nations communities of the Murray–Darling Basin and pays respect to Elders past and present.

We acknowledge First Nations people as the Traditional Owners of the land, water and sky Country across the Basin and value the expertise, wisdom and enduring connections that have informed their care for Country over millennia.

We recognise the intrinsic connection of First Nations people to Country, and we value the enduring cultural, social, environmental, spiritual, and economic connection to the rivers, wetlands, and floodplains of the Basin. We are committed to working with First Nations people across the Murray–Darling Basin to build relationships in a meaningful and genuine way to support and empower them in reaching their aspirations.

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The information on this website is presented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department) for the purposes of disseminating information to the public. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice.The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government or the Portfolio Ministers for the Department or indicate a commitment to a particular course of action.

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