Concerning Reports on Ontario’s Native Turtles
Can you imagine purchasing a turtle in a grocery store in London? Well, that’s the plight of some unfortunate Apalone spinifera, which as a matter of fact, are now considered endangered in Ontario. A major threat to these turtles is poaching, and of the eight native turtle species in Ontario, three are now endangered with Apalone spinifera being the latest addition. According to Erin Mallon, conservation biologist from Ontario Nature, the remaining five species not listed as endangered are well on their way to joining the ranks of their unfortunate cousins. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources enforces laws against poaching through warnings and charges; in addition, many suspects are caught as a result of tips from local residents. Conservationists are concerned with the fact that the more endangered a species becomes, the more its value increases, which promotes the demand for poaching. This poaching is fueled by the long-term traditions that many people hold with turtles, which further increases the demand for these species. If we do not work tirelessly to conserve our native species, sooner or later they will disappear forever.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
You can help help a snapper cross the road! It won’t kill you! Video
Celebrate World Ocean’s Day
Sea turtle released in front of the croud
City makes an effort to protect turtles
Crime & Punishment
Poachers caught in possession of turtle meat
Health & Medical
Sea turtle rehabilitated for the second time
Miscellany
Turtle crossing ends in car crash
Turtle habitat commemorates shooting victim
From the Library…
theTurtleRoom educates through developing resources such as species profiles (which include natural history and care guides), other written articles, videos, and applications. theTurtleRoom is involved in conservation through developing assurance colonies and collaborating with other organizations on both ex-situ and in-situ projects.
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Photo from Derek Spalding.
