Threats to Ontario’s Turtles

Turtles are the most imperilled vertebrates on the planet. They have been around for over 220 million years, and yet, in the past 50 years, humans have sent many species down the road to extinction. All 10 species of turtles in Canada are classified as Species at Risk. Of the eight species of turtle from Ontario, 4 are classified as special concern, 1 as threatened, and 3 as endangered. There was even a 9th Ontario turtle that has since been extirpated.

Habitat loss is the main causes of turtle population decline. Wetlands are a crucial habitat for turtles and other species, yet 70-90% of wetlands have been lost to development. Not only are wetlands important for turtles in terms of food and shelter, but they are also important for us in terms of carbon sequestering and flood mitigation.

Each spring, starting in May, motorists should be on the alert for turtles crossing the road. Thousands of turtles are killed each year by vehicles as they migrate to their traditional nesting sites. Road mortality is of particular concern for Ontario turtles, given that Ontario has the highest density of roads anywhere in Canada, combined with an average crossing time of nine minutes for some species of turtles.

Other threats to turtles include; poaching, disease, bycatch in fishing, predation, garbage/litter, pesticide use, human development, and road maintenance.

Every turtle is important to the continued survival of the species. The death of any turtle is a significant loss to turtle populations, however, the death of an adult reproducing female is extremely detrimental. Given that less than 1% of all turtle eggs laid will reach sexual maturity, it can take decades for a turtle to replace itself, thus rendering it extremely important to ensure the survival of currently reproducing turtles.

You can help ensure the survival of turtles in a number of ways. See the infographic below for more details!

And remember…

SLOW DOWN, LOOK AHEAD and GIVE THEM A BRAKE!