Key points:The species is at risk from declining habitat, predation and seasonal impacts, including bushfires and floodsThe hatchlings give researchers an indication about the endangered species' nesting and breeding habits- A Manning River turtle breeding conservation program is also underway"They are absolutely beautiful, tiny turtles … about the size of a 20-cent piece with a beautiful distinct pattern on their back," Hunter Local Land Services' (HLLS) Rye Gollan said.Dried-out rivers and poor water quality from droughts and the 2019-2020 bushfires, followed by flood events, put the species at further risk.Foxes and feral pigs major threatsMr Gollan said work was also underway, in collaboration with landholders, to protect and improve the species' habitat and remove threats."With favourable conditions following bushfires, feral pigs have experienced a massive spike in a number of priority reaches of turtle habitats.""We will continue to do monitoring, where possible working with community groups and ecologists and researchers from universities … to try and better ascertain the distribution of the species," Mr Gollan said."