Turtling

Encounters with the Wild | Ontario | Canada 

Hello Blanding's!

Volunteering for the Freshwater Turtle Project has been eventful, challenging and very exciting at times to say the least. Driving on the trail leading to our first mark-recapture survey transect on day one and overlooking the reed beds through the windshield of our “Turtle-Mobile”, I was oblivious to the array of species populating the coastal wetland.

Juvenile Snapping turtle ready to be released after 
having been measured and notched

Through my novice’s eyes, the great wall (of reeds) seemed hostile and more of an impassable barrier than a prime habitat for some of the most endangered turtle species in Ontario. But, soon enough, after successfully learning the ropes of walking in chest-waders and after literally getting my feet wet a couple of times, I caught my first turtle: Big Ben, an adult Snapping turtle. This encounter and subsequent ones with Spotted, Blanding’s, Painted and Map turtles were definitely exhilarating. The best was yet to come though. On May 30th 2014, I had the chance to come face to face with a Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera) – a.k.a. the “pancake turtle”.

Wow, I don’t even know where to begin; being one of the fastest-swimming turtles around, it is rather difficult to catch a Spiny Softshell when it is in its aquatic element. So as soon as we caught a glimpse of its long neck sticking out of the water, we knew we had to act super fast. In unison, both Xiao Tian and I yelled “paddle faster Joe, paddle faster!” We were just about 3 meters away from the reptile then. With Joe steering, Xiao Tian directing the manoeuvre and me holding the net, ready to catch the turtle, we reached our target in no time. I still could not believe that we made it to the peculiar looking animal as I reached out and the net touched the leathery carapace adorned with dark outlined spots. I was thrilled to be so close to the first Spiny Softshell of the season – and it got even more exciting as I watched Xiao Tian grab the turtle bare-handed and draw it out of the water as I moved it closer to the canoe with the landing net. 

Spiny Softshell (front) and Snapping 
turtle (back) in the canoe

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention… we had caught a feisty Snapper a few minutes before spotting the Spiny Softshell. Thus, the 2 prehistoric looking creatures we had on our canoe that day. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I got to work with dedicated ecologists/ aspiring ecologists, who slogged through deep murky waters and rain in an effort to help restore the native turtle populations numbers of Ontario. Seeing these shy turtles in their natural habitat was indeed a privilege given the many threats hovering over their heads. Shoreline development and agricultural activities in Ontario have resulted in habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. And as if all this wasn't not enough, many more turtles do succumb from poaching, egg and young predation, environmental contamination and injuries from boat propellers and fishing.

Projects like the Freshwater Turtle Recovery Program might shine just enough light at the end of the tunnel for the turtles of Ontario. To really make a long-lasting difference however, I believe everyone needs to do the right thing.

 “It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” - Mahatma Gandhi

What can you do to help? (Source: Wildlife Preservation Canada- Species in Need)

• Every year, turtles must cross busy roads to get to their nesting sites – watch for turtles on the roads!
• Never buy native species of turtles or any turtles that have been caught in the wild.
• Don’t disturb nests, young or adults – be respectful and observe from a distance.
• Help reverse the loss of turtle habitat by protecting or restoring wetlands and surrounding vegetation on your property.
• Make a contribution today towards WPC’s Freshwater Turtle recovery activities. Feel free to adopt a turtle!!

Wanna read more about the amazing work of the turtle team and WPC? 

Check out their blog and website. 

My adventure in Ontario’s Carolinian wilderness has been an incredible one. And I am looking forward to many more encounters with some fascinating species.