August 21, 2019 – The extreme weather in 2019 has kept the researchers working with endangered Spiny Softshell Turtles in the Thames watershed on high alert.

“The abnormally cool weather in April and May resulted in a two week delay in nesting, which was our latest season on record. Then the summer’s extreme heat and storms made recovery efforts challenging,” said Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). “Climate change will continue to make our work more difficult, with high heat, storm events, and flooding causing turtle eggs to fail. Combined with nests being crushed by human recreational activities, high predation rates, illegal collection, and other issues, this means that without our intervention, there is little chance any eggs would survive. Luckily, our intervention is working.”

The Spiny Softshell Turtle is endangered both provincially and federally. Only a small number of hatchling turtles reach adulthood, so it’s critical for biologists to protect the eggs and release as many hatchlings as possible. Early studies along the Thames River revealed almost zero turtle egg survival and an aging adult population, but recent research shows that protection efforts are having an impact locally. Since the UTRCA began protecting eggs in the 1990s, the local Spiny Softshell Turtle population has shown increases in the number of turtles of all age classes, increasing numbers of nests laid, and an increase in their range along the Thames River.

The success of the Spiny Softshell Turtle recovery is due to　the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers, as well as observations provided by the public. Scott Gillingwater has been involved since the beginning and continues to inspire people with his passion for conservation and species at risk.

Threats to the Spiny Softshell Turtle:
– Loss of habitat
– Collection for the pet and food trade
– Getting caught on fish hooks
– Non-native plant species overtaking nest sites
– Climate change related extreme weather events

Thank you to our Sponsors and Donors:
Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, Provincial Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, The Schad Foundation, Dispenser Amenities, Eric and Karen Auzins, New Balance London, and public donations.

The UTRCA welcomes financial help with the Spiny Softshell Recovery Project

Photos of 2019 Spiny Softshell Turtle Team and hatchlings

Contact: Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist