A biology team is asking for the public’s help in saving the region’s dwindling turtle population.
The team at the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority say the future of all eight species of turtle in Ontario are listed as species at risk. The St. Clair Region watershed, which includes Sydenham River, Bear Creek, Maxwell Creek and Black Creek, is home to six of those species.
Conservation Authority officials say the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle is at imminent risk of extinction in Canada. Biologists have observed a troubling lack of young Spiny Softshells in the Sydenham River, posing a serious concern for long-term sustainability.
According to the SCRCA, turtles are incredibly slow to recover from population losses, and with many living up to 100 years, turtles mature slowly and don’t reproduce until they are between 15 and 20 years old. Fewer than one in 100 turtle eggs survive into adulthood.
Local residents are being asked to keep an eye out for turtles nesting in unsafe areas.
“Community involvement plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable species and preserving the biodiversity of our watershed,” said Craig Paterson, Manager of Biology with the SCRCA.
The SCRCA has a variety of recovery efforts residents can access to help the turtle population including nesting site enhancements, turtle population and habitat surveys and a Captive Hatch and Release Program (CHRP.)
The CHRP aims to rescue turtle nests that are at immediate risk, whether from predators, flooding, or habitat disturbances. Eggs under threat are collected and incubated, under special permits and with the support of partners such as Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. Once hatched, the young turtles are closely monitored to ensure they are healthy before being released into the wild.
Residents can report turtle sightings here.