The eight species of native freshwater turtles that can be found in Quebec are designated as endangered or vulnerable. A myriad of factors are responsible for this situation : destruction and degradation of habitats, high mortality rates near the roads, enhanced egg predation and illegal captivity (Eco-Nature).
Spring is an especially critical time of the year for turtles. Females traveling towards nesting areas sometimes must cross roads, therefore very likely to be run over by cars (Québec Science).
« Each turtle dying because of a road accident triggers a significant chain reaction for the species as a whole, because one individual may need up to 25 years to reproduce. Egg survival rate is very low and only 2% of turtles will reach their adult age. Losing one single mature individual means a 20 years delay for the development of a population » – Francisco Retamal Diaz, project coordinator, Nature Conservancy Canada (freely translated).
Wounded turtle: what to do?
The Quebec Rehabilitation Centre for turtles (Centre de réhabilitation pour les tortues du Québec), opened in 2016 by Éco-Nature | Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, is one of the rare places in the province providing care and rehabilitation of specimens so that they can go back in nature. If you see a turtle that seems to need help, please contact sostortues@eco-nature.ca.
Is it a pet turtle?
If you see a turtle with red ears, it is an exotic species, sold in pet shops; they should never be found in nature. If such a case occurs, please report it to Éco-Nature | Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.
Want to get involved?
Around 300 members annually report their turtle sightings to Éco-Nature | Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. Thanks to these citizen reports, turtle populations are monitored, habitats of interest and nests are protected, and wounded turtles are cared for. Contact the organization!
World Turtle Day
Did you know that May 23 is World Turtle Day? Launched by the non-profit organization American Tortoise Rescue, this special day is meant as an opportunity to remember the importance to preserve turtle natural habitats and protect the turtles, while also bringing attention to species diversity and their essential ecological role.
