Some of the wildlife you could see on your paddle along the Burnett River

Lungfish

The species is over 100 millions years old! And reportedly one of the most ancient of the extant vertebrate species. Australian lungfish occur in the Burnett river, Marry and Brisbane river catchments. They live to more than 50 years! They appear to be long lived and slow growing species, with low adult mortality. The sallow pools and glides in the river are the spawning area for Lungfish, who spawn August to December.  The dams and weirs provide passage barriers to the Burnett river lungfish population which most likely has a negative impact on them. Introduced weeds in the river pose a threat to the species as they affect water quality which affects eggs and larvae. Tagging lungfish has indicated they move greater up to 81km. They can move in river sections as shallow as 12cm. Some evidence suggests the the lungfish population in the Enoggera reservoir (Brisbane) may be now extinct.

Black Swans

Platypus

There’s a Platypus that lives near the end of the paddle on day 2. We see it about 30% of the time we paddle though, so cross your fingers!

White throated snapping turtle

Australia largest fresh water turtle called the white throated snapping turtle and is found mainly in the Fitzroy and Burnett Mary catchments. This species is distinguished from other turtles by markings on its throat and sides of its face.

WYLD Projects are collaborating with the Department of Environment and Science to protect the turtles. For more information visit their Facebook page.