Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles Need Your Help! (media release, March 1, 2022)
Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (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 in southern Ontario, SOARR has evolved into an internationally recognized conservation program for a wide range of endangered and threatened reptiles.
Scott Gillingwater, Species At Risk Biologist, has been with the SOARR program since its inception in 1994. Since taking over as project leader in 2000, Scott has continued to build this program into what it is today, and 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 Gillingwater. “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.”
Gillingwater is launching a fund-raising drive to build stable, long-term funding for this important local wildlife recovery program.
“In order for SOARR to continue, we need your help,” explained Gillingwater. “Turtles, in particular, take many years to reach maturity. 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.”
You can help SOARR ensure these at risk reptiles remain in Ontario, with a tax-deductible donation at www.thamesriverdonations.ca/species-at-risk. We invite you to be part of a program that is making a real difference, locally.
Contact: Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist, Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) Program, or Steve Sauder, Marketing Specialist, UTRCA