We were joined by Don Scallen for our November meeting with 30 people in person and 15 on Zoom. We were also joined by Jeff Hathaway from Scales Nature Park and one of their Blanding’s Turtles. Don shared information on the different species of turtles in Ontario, efforts by local groups to protect turtle nests, incubate eggs and then release back
Ontario is home to eight native species of turtles, each playing a crucial role in the province’s wetland and aquatic ecosystems. Turtles, as both predators and prey, help maintain balanced ecosystems, and their presence indicates healthy habitats. Unfortunately, seven of Ontario’s eight turtle species are at risk, facing numerous threats from habitat loss to road mortality. Let’s dive into the unique features, ecological significance, and conservation challenges of Ontario’s turtles.
The Turtles of Ontario
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Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)- Status: Threatened (Canada), Endangered (Ontario)
- Characteristics: Bright yellow throat and “permanent smile,” prefers marshy areas.
- Lifespan: Can live over 70 years.
- Key Fact: Takes up to 25 years to reach reproductive maturity, making population recovery slow.
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Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
- Status: Special Concern (Ontario and Canada)
- Characteristics: Large size, powerful jaw, and prehistoric appearance; Ontario’s largest turtle.
- Lifespan: Around 30-40 years in the wild, with some living over 50 years.
- Key Fact: Females can lay up to 80 eggs in a season, but few survive to adulthood due to predation.
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Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)
- Status: Endangered (Ontario), Threatened (Canada)
- Characteristics: Bright yellow spots on smooth, black shell; one of Ontario’s smallest turtles.
- Lifespan: Can live over 50 years.
- Key Fact: Highly sensitive to habitat changes and rarely found far from wetlands, making it vulnerable to wetland drainage.
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Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
- Status: Endangered (Ontario and Canada)
- Characteristics: Has a shell with raised, sculpted patterns resembling wood grain.
- Lifespan: Can live up to 60 years.
- Key Fact: Known for unique foraging behavior, such as “stomping” on the ground to attract earthworms.
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Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)
- Status: Special Concern (Ontario and Canada)
- Characteristics: Known as the “stinkpot” due to its musky odor, found in shallow, slow-moving waters.
- Lifespan: Around 20-30 years.
- Key Fact: Its small size and habitat make population counts difficult.
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Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)
- Status: Special Concern (Ontario and Canada)
- Characteristics: Named for the map-like patterns on its shell, strong swimmer often found in large rivers and lakes.
- Lifespan: Can live up to 20 years.
- Key Fact: Females are significantly larger than males, allowing them to consume larger prey like clams and snails.
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Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
- Status: Special Concern (Canada)
- Characteristics: The most common turtle in Ontario, with bright red and yellow shell markings.
- Lifespan: Around 20-30 years.
- Key Fact: Painted Turtles can survive winter underwater by slowing down metabolism and absorbing oxygen through their skin.
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Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)
- Status: Endangered (Ontario and Canada)
- Characteristics: Soft, leathery shell, long neck, and snorkel-like snout; highly adapted to aquatic life.
- Lifespan: Around 30-50 years.
- Key Fact: Often buried in sandy or muddy river bottoms, where it blends with its surroundings for protection.
Threats Facing Ontario’s Turtles
The future of Ontario’s turtles is uncertain, with all but one species facing some level of risk. Major threats include:
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Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Wetland drainage and shoreline development destroy essential turtle habitats, limiting breeding, feeding, and basking areas.
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Road Mortality: Many turtles are hit by cars as they cross roads, especially during nesting season when females seek out sandy or gravelly areas to lay their eggs. In Ontario, studies estimate that thousands of turtles are killed on roads every year.
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Illegal Collection and Poaching: Some turtles are illegally captured for the pet trade or for consumption, further threatening populations.
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Predation: Turtle nests are especially vulnerable to predation by raccoons, foxes, and other animals that can destroy entire clutches of eggs.
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Climate Change: Rising temperatures can impact turtle reproduction. Turtle gender is determined by nest temperature, meaning warmer temperatures could lead to skewed sex ratios, which can affect population dynamics.
Why Protecting Turtles Matters
Turtles play an essential role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems. They help control insect and aquatic plant populations, keep water bodies clean, and serve as prey for other wildlife. Losing turtles would disrupt these delicate ecosystems, with ripple effects that could harm a wide range of species.
Conservation Efforts and How You Can Help
Ontario has several initiatives aimed at protecting turtles, including habitat restoration, research, and road mortality reduction programs. Organizations like The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre rehabilitate injured turtles and release them back into the wild. Local conservation authorities and volunteer groups monitor turtle populations, protect nests, and raise awareness.
What You Can Do:
- Report Sightings: Reporting sightings of turtles (especially rare ones) helps scientists track populations.
- Create Safe Road Crossings: Support initiatives for wildlife underpasses and protective fencing along roads.
- Avoid Disturbing Nests: If you find a turtle nest, avoid disturbing it and consider reaching out to a local conservation organization.
- Get Involved with Conservation Groups: Volunteering or donating to groups focused on turtle conservation can make a big difference.
Ontario’s turtles are resilient but need our help to survive and thrive. Through conservation efforts and increased awareness, we can protect these incredible species for future generations.
