BIRCH ISLAND—Ontario’s turtles are facing a dire crisis. Road mortality has emerged as one of the leading causes of population declines among these slow-moving animals. Disturbingly, all eight species of turtles found in Ontario are now federally classified as at-risk, signifying that their populations are in serious decline. These turtles rely heavily on extensive overland travel between wetlands to fulfill essential life cycle needs, such as foraging, mating and nesting. However, the proliferation of roads across their habitats has become a significant barrier to their survival.
The situation is particularly concerning along Highway 6, where numerous instances of turtle road mortality have been documented. To address this urgent issue, the Whitefish River First Nation Lands Department, in collaboration with McMaster University, initiated a project in 2023 to record road mortality sightings along Highway 6 in Birch Island. This effort aims to collect critical data and raise public awareness about the plight of Ontario’s turtles.
As part of this initiative, the project team is calling on volunteers to help report sightings of road-killed turtles, focusing on the area between Espanola and Manitoulin Islands during the summer of 2024. The project also seeks to partner with organizations willing to support and promote this vital cause.
A closer look at Ontario’s turtle species:
Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii): This species is classified as threatened, with populations having plummeted by 60-90 percent over the past three generations. The primary drivers of this decline are road mortality and habitat destruction.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina): Recognized as a species of special concern, snapping turtles face significant threats from road mortality and environmental changes. These turtles are particularly vulnerable during their lengthy overland journeys to nesting sites.
Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera): Listed as threatened, this species has experienced a dramatic population decline of over 50 percent in the past decade. Road mortality and habitat fragmentation are major contributing factors.
Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica): Another species of special concern, the Northern Map Turtle suffers from the dual threats of road mortality and habitat disruption, which have led to a noticeable decline in their numbers.
The statistics underscore the critical need for immediate action to address the threats facing Ontario’s turtle populations. Without concerted efforts to mitigate road mortality and protect their habitats, these ancient creatures risk being driven to extinction.
“Your participation is crucial,” the McMaster University project urges. “Report sightings of road-killed turtles, spread awareness and support conservation efforts. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in protecting Ontario’s at-risk turtle species and preserving our natural heritage.”
To participate, volunteers can scan the QR code or visit this https://arcg.is/0ar51n to submit animal sightings on the road using any web-enabled device. Your involvement can make a significant difference in our efforts to protect these endangered species.
