Residents across Perth’s southern suburbs are being urged to keep an eye out for southwestern snake-necked turtles as the start of spring sees the species moving away from waterways to lay eggs.

River Wren Rescue founder Selina Thompson said these female turtles could travel up to a kilometre from their usual water source to find a suitable nesting site.

In increasingly developed areas, that journey can take them across roads, into backyards and through other hazards, causing the rescue group to see a huge increase in displaced turtles.

“With certain water areas dried up or removed when building takes place, these turtles need to try and find other options, causing them to move,” Ms Thompson said.

“Obviously with everything being so built up nowadays, they’ve just got so many more obstacles in their way.”

The seasonal movement is already under way, with warmer than usual weather contributing to turtles appearing earlier, making wildlife activity harder to predict.

Ms Thompson said turtles generally respond to temperatures above 17 degrees, which can trigger females to leave the water to nest.

“With the temperatures changing, it’s affecting the times that they would leave to be able to nest,” she said.

“The temperatures are affecting everything. Everything is so out of whack; it’s making it incredibly difficult.”

The turtles face several threats while travelling, with vehicle strikes among the biggest risks.

Ms Thompson has advised people to slow down and be aware when driving, particularly around known wetlands.

“They’re not fast, and a turtle crossing a busy road can be incredibly vulnerable,” she said.

River Wren Rescue currently has 15 southwestern snake-necked turtles in its care, most being treated for cracked shells due to collisions or illnesses associated with poor water quality.

Some turtles have also suffered injuries from dog attacks or were caught on fishing lines in lakes and dams.

Residents who find a displaced turtle either on the road or near their homes are being advised to contact their local wildlife rescue organisation for advice.

This is particularly important if a turtle has laid eggs in a front or back yard. Rescuers can assess whether the eggs are in a safe location or whether they need to be relocated or incubated.

“Awareness and education are huge,” Ms Thomson said.

“Know who your local wildlife rescue is, see what your local species are, and research your native plants and natural environment.

“A lot of people don’t have real grass anymore or any native plants. We’re taking away so much of these animals’ native environment that they’re unable to do what they’re built to do.”