World's first purpose-built Western Swamp Tortoise exhibit at Perth Zoo

5/6/98

Perth Zoo made a significant contribution to World Environment Day today with the opening of the world's first purpose-built Western Swamp Tortoise exhibit by Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes.

Mrs Edwardes said the exhibit would help secure the future of Australia's most threatened reptile.

"The Water Corporation Western Swamp Tortoise Exhibit represents another big step forward for the long-term survival of the Western Swamp Tortoise," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Not only will Zoo visitors experience a world class exhibit but they will also be able to learn more about the combined effort to bring this species back from the brink of extinction.

"Today, World Environment Day, is a very fitting day to announce Western Australia's commitment to restoring Western Swamp Tortoise numbers and recognise our success to date."

The Western Swamp Tortoise is Australia's smallest tortoise. Adults can take 15 years to sexually mature and reach a maximum shell length of about 12.5 cm.

After first being discovered by European settlers in 1839 at Upper Swan, the critically endangered species was not seen for more than 100 years.

They are only found in the wild at Twin Swamps and Ellen Brook north of Perth.

Predators such as ravens, cats, dogs and foxes, and changes in habitat have devastated wild populations.

In 1988 as few as 20 - 30 animals were left in the wild. As part of the species' recovery plan, Perth Zoo and its partners established a breeding colony.

Perth Zoo, the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) , World Wide Fund for Nature, University of Western Australia and the Water Corporation worked together to establish a breeding program and secure the species' limited natural habitat.

Today there are more than 100 animals in two predator-proof reserves north of Perth and more than 200 animals in the Zoo's breeding facility.

All the animals in the Water Corporation Western Swamp Tortoise Exhibit were bred at Perth Zoo.

"Perth Zoo's partnership with the Water Corporation, and co-operation with CALM, has provided a great opportunity to develop an exhibit highlighting a world conservation success story," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The Western Swamp Tortoise joins other endangered species from around the world including the Californian Condor and the Arabian Oryx as species that have been bred in zoo breeding programs and returned to their former native range.

"Exhibiting these animals in an enclosure resembling their natural environment and explaining their remarkable come-back story, gives the community an opportunity to see living proof that conservation projects do work.

"Water Corporation has been a great supporter of developing this important conservation exhibit through its sponsorship, while CALM and the University of Western Australia through the work of Dr Gerald Kuchling have provided their valuable specialist knowledge of this critically endangered Western Australian species.

"With partnerships like this, Perth Zoo's contribution to world conservation and education can only continue to grow."

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777