In The News
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
For immediate release
Elusive and Endangered Spotted Turtle
Survey Begins
Midland,
Ontario – Wye Marsh environmental technicians have
started looking for the endangered species, the Spotted
Turtle. The last time they were seen in the Wye Marsh was
over 25 years ago. Spotted Turtles are the first to appear
after winter, usually as soon as the ice is out. It is a
challenge to find these elusive turtles as they live in
fens, a unique wetland habitat defined by its plant communities
and year round water that is very difficult to get to.
The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) is named
for the distinctive bright yellow spots on its black upper
shell or carapace. This relatively small turtle prefers
ponds, marshes and bogs with an abundant supply of aquatic
vegetation. Shortly after emerging from hibernation burrows
in spring, adults congregate at favoured ponds to mate.
Environmental technician Sara Street states
that, “This survey is very important for the conservation
of this endangered turtle. Funding limits research opportunities
as the timing for the release of funds rarely matches that
of wetland species. While we are awaiting research permits
we can go out into the Marsh and document with GPS coordinates
where the turtles were found. We are able to start the survey
this year due to funding provided through the Adopt An Acre
campaign. Volunteers are also encouraged to help myself
and Brandy Hussey, our other environmental technician, in
searching for this elusive species.”
If you wish to assist our staff with looking
for spotted turtles, please contact the Stewardship department
at stewardship@wyemarsh.com
or call 705-526-7809.
Wye Marsh is a non-profit charitable organization
dedicated to operating year-round interpretive and recreational
programs for the public, students and other organizations
to promote awareness, appreciation, understanding and conservation
of the wetland and wildlife habitat in the Wye Valley.
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For more information contact
Laurie Schutt, Executive Director
Wye Marsh
T: 705.526.7809 ext. 201
E: lschutt@wyemarsh.com
W: www.wyemarsh.com
