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World Turtle Day: Protecting Quebec’s species
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Celebrated every May 23 since 1990, World Turtle Day is an opportunity to celebrate the various species of turtle that inhabit every corner of the world. On this day, citizens are invited to learn more about turtles and commit to protecting the species and their habitats.
This year, the theme “I love turtles” invites us to discover just how fascinating they are!
Populations in decline, near and far
Sadly, turtles are in decline worldwide. Quebec is no exception, with all 8 species of freshwater turtle in a precarious situation. The main causes of this precarious situation? Habitat destruction and degradation, increased road mortality, excessive egg predation and unlawful captivity.
The Center for the Rehabilitation of Quebec Turtles
The Centre de réhabilitation pour les tortues du Québec (CRTQ) was born to reduce adult turtle mortality and increase the survival of younger turtles. Since it opened in 2016 at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, 340 native turtles have been admitted, mainly painted and snapping turtles, but also wood, map, Blanding's turtles and a musk turtle.
The majority of the specimens taken in are injured or sick turtles. Of these, 75% have already been released or will be released this summer. Others come to us because they were kept in captivity, which is illegal. Of the 51 turtles illegally kept in captivity, 32 have already been returned to the wild.
A caring team
Turtles admitted to the Centre de réhabilitation des tortues du Québec receive regular check-ups and undergo treatment plans developed and prescribed especially for them at the Centre vétérinaire de Laval and the Centre hospitalier universitaire vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal. If the turtles lay eggs during their stay at the CRTQ, or if the veterinarians are able to recover eggs from injured turtles, the eggs are incubated to ensure they reach term. Thanks to these efforts, we were able to hatch 17 eggs in 2022. Some of these turtles, born under our care, have already been released back into the wild!
In addition to volunteer veterinary care, citizen initiatives led by the CRTQ and awareness-raising activities in the area are contributing to the recovery of the province's native turtle populations.
Turtles at the Exploration Center
Some specimens of turtles that have been illegally kept in captivity, or whose medical condition does not allow them to be returned to the wild, are admitted for long-term care. These turtles are part of the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles permanent living collection. They help raise awareness of the issues and threats affecting these species, as well as providing educational opportunities to help protect and recover species at risk.
Éco-Nature's protection and conservation team, which includes animal health technicians, bioecology technicians and biologists, under the supervision of the veterinary team at the Centre hospitalier universitaire vétérinaire (CHUV), takes the utmost care of the permanent living collection and ensures adequate conditions for their safekeeping.
Helping turtles in your own way
You too can make a positive difference to the survival of turtles around the world! From May to the end of October, take part in turtle monitoring in the natural environments of the Rivière des Mille-Îles.
