Endangered ‘bum-breathing’ Mary River turtle’s nest found in new territory

It’s a curious-looking creature with a funny nickname, but the ‘bum-breathing’ Mary River turtle in Queensland is under serious threat for survival.

Now, the discovery of a turtle nest in an area previously thought to be outside their range has researchers intrigued, even a little hopeful.

Glimpsing a nest is a rare experience.

It involves early morning exploration along the banks of the Mary River, spotting tracks, and a lot of luck with timing.

Populations of the species have dropped by as much as 95 per cent since the 1970s and, according to…