Turtle Conservation in Quebec
The biologists at the Zoo de Granby are taking action around the world to preserve turtle species.
In Quebec, our efforts focus on three endangered species: the spiny softshell turtle, the wood turtle, and the northern map turtle. However, by acting to protect these species, we also help safeguard all other turtle species that share their habitats. In fact, our work sometimes extends to other species—for example, by relocating nests, incubating eggs, and protecting nesting sites.
Our projects
Recorvery of the Spiny Softshell Turtle in Quebec
The Zoo de Granby has been working closely with its partners in the Recovery Implementation Group (RIG) for the spiny softshell turtle, a threatened species, since the recovery team was established in 1997. This large-scale project aims to increase the number of spiny softshell turtles and to study the only viable population in Quebec, located in the Lake Champlain region, while also raising awareness and engaging citizens and regional stakeholders in its conservation.
Since 2009, the Zoo de Granby has been monitoring the only known nesting site in Quebec, conducting artificial incubation of spiny softshell turtle eggs, and releasing over a hundred hatchlings into the wild each year.
Protecting the Wood Turtle
Since 2017, the team of biologists at the Zoo de Granby has carried out several actions to help preserve the wood turtle, including work on nesting sites, population surveys, training sessions, and public awareness efforts. These achievements have been made possible through collaboration with various government agencies, local organizations, and citizens.
The Zoo is also a member of the Wood Turtle Recovery Implementation Group in Quebec, working alongside multiple partners to support the implementation of the wood turtle recovery action plan.
Protecting the Northern Map Turtle
The Zoo de Granby’s conservation team is undertaking several concrete actions to protect the northern map turtle in the Montreal region, in collaboration with its partners: the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and the City of Montreal. As part of the species recovery plan, these initiatives include nest protection, egg incubation in a laboratory setting, and the organization of public awareness activities and specialized training sessions.
Support for Citizens – Turtle Nest Relocation and Shelter at the Zoo de Granby
The team of biologists at the Zoo de Granby is available to support citizens when they encounter special situations involving turtles. Don’t hesitate to contact the team if a turtle lays a nest on your property or if you find an injured turtle. The biologists will guide you on the appropriate actions to take.
