Public Showing its Support for Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (UTRCA weekly, March 11, 2022)
On March 1, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) launched a fundraising drive for the Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program. SOARR is one of Canada’s longest running and most successful reptile research and recovery programs. Initiated in 1994 to assess the status of the rapidly declining Spiny Softshell Turtle (pictured below) in southern Ontario, SOARR has evolved into an internationally recognized conservation program for a wide range of endangered and threatened reptiles.
Scott Gillingwater, UTRCA Species At Risk Biologist, has been with SOARR from the start and built this ground-breaking program into what it is today. Scott, pictured below with a Snapping Turtle, is known Canada-wide for his innovative approaches to wildlife research and recovery.
“SOARR is making a difference for southern Ontario’s at risk reptiles and helping many declining populations pull back from the brink,” said Scott. “We’re at a crossroads, though — the next 10 years are critical for these species, but we’re facing government funding that is unpredictable or not available at all. We need to continue this work until hatchlings we’ve released begin to mature, start to nest on their own, and can sustain naturally viable populations.”
Scott launched the fund-raising drive to build stable, long-term funding for this important local wildlife recovery program. The response has been overwhelming, with more than $8,000 donated to SOARR within days of launching.
“The response has been incredible and reaffirms that the public sees the value in our work. We still need to raise approximately $20,000 to meet our goal, but we’re optimistic that we will reach this target,” Scott said.
We invite you to be part of a program that is making a real difference, locally. You can help SOARR ensure these at risk reptiles remain in Ontario, with a tax-deductible donation at www.thamesriverdonations.ca/species-at-risk.
Find out more about SOARR.