Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles logo consisting of drawing of spiny softshell turtle with program name, in black and white

Southern Ontario’s native reptiles have suffered drastic population declines due to the many threats impacting our natural areas, lakes and rivers, and they need help now. You can be a part of their recovery by helping the Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program’s research and conservation efforts.

Just a few of the initiatives you will be supporting:

  • Reptile research and recovery carried out by one of the longest running and most successful programs in Canada, led by experts in the field of herpetology.
  • Direct conservation action for some of Ontario’s most endangered wildlife.
  • Field studies, creating habitat, incubating eggs, and releasing thousands of hatchling turtles back into the wild every year.
  • Community education, landowner stewardship, and the development of species recovery initiatives.
  • Students and early career scientists gaining experience in the field of conservation biology.

Since 1994, SOARR has changed the trajectory for many reptiles in the region, slowing population declines, creating habitat, developing partnerships, and working with landowners for the benefit of our local wildlife. This internationally recognized program works to safeguard the largest known Canadian populations of many endangered and threatened reptiles, giving them a chance at survival.

With inconsistent government funding and significant cuts to species at risk legislation, your help is needed more than ever to protect Ontario’s declining reptiles. Together we can achieve great things.

Tax-deductible donations can be made two ways:

  1. Online at www.thamesriverdonations.ca/species-at-risk
  2. Cheque made payable to: Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (Species At Risk program).  Please enclose a note to indicate your donation is for the Reptiles At Risk Program and provide your name and return address to receive a charitable tax receipt. Mail to: UTRCA 1424 Clarke Road, London, Ontario, Canada N5V 5B9.

For more information

For more information about SOARR or to discuss your donation, please contact Scott Gillingwater, Species At Risk Biologist, SOARR.