25. Snapping Turtle Conservation in Ontario

Populations of snapping turtles are declining in Ontario. These reptiles play essential roles in wetland habitats through removal of dead animals and weeds, and their eggs provide food sources for mammals and birds. Despite being listed as a species of special concern under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, hunting of snapping turtles is permitted in some regions of Ontario. Snapping turtles are further threatened by pollution, road mortality, and habitat loss. The developmental process of this species also acts as an obstacle to their recovery, as sexual maturity is not reached until the age of 16-19 and only 7 out of 10,000 eggs is expected to survive to adulthood.  With the assistance of contacts at the Suzuki Foundation, Guelph University, and other institutions, we intend to develop a conservation strategy for snapping turtles that consists of four components. First, we recommend a government-mandated, province-wide survey of snapping turtle statistics to determine turtle populations and threats. Then we will address whether sustainable hunting is possible. The current catch allowance of two turtles per person daily, as deemed sustainable by the MNR, should be suspended until further review. Next, barriers to recovery will be addressed. Prevention of threats could be achieved through conservation area designations, signs indicating turtle presence, information on how to avoid causing turtle injury and distribution of information to persons whose property contains snapping turtle habitat. Finally, increasing public awareness of snapping turtle demographics is crucial to our strategy. Education through multiple channels will generate public interest and funding.