Dr Limpus says drought in the Bundaberg area has placed further pressure on the already endangered loggerhead. He says vegetation such as grass and tree roots have invaded turtle clutches in the sand in search for moisture, and an added problem has been an increase in fungus. It's virtually strangling or suffocating the eggs in nests. Dr Limpus says drought is a natural occurence which can't be avoided but an ongoing concern is human pressure. Along Australia's east coast, urban and resort development and feral animals have caused several problems for sea turtle rookeries.
Artificial lights are a major concern as they disorient nesting adults and hatchlings.
Pigs, dogs and foxes easily locate freshly laid eggs which they dig up and eat. Rubbish is also a threat. Turtles become tangled in old nets and fishing line, strangling and drowning them. If turtles mistakenly eat plastic bags their intestines become blocked and they starve to death. Dr Limpus says accidental drowning in prawn trawling nets and other fishing gear is thought to be the most common cause of death for eastern Australian loggerheads.