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Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles – SOARR

From Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles – SOARR:

It is now January 2025, and as Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) begins it’s 32nd year carrying out research and conservation for some of Ontario’s most at-risk reptile species, we wanted to send out a huge thank you to everyone that made last year (2024) a tremendous success!

While reptiles have many obstacles to overcome, we can see some light at the end of the tunnel. Our reptile recovery efforts are ensuring tangible results for a number of species, especially the endangered Spiny Softshell Turtle. For the first time in likely the past 100 years or more, the softshell turtle population in the Upper Thames River watershed is starting to increase, instead of decrease! Thanks to the efforts of SOARR and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, we now see individuals of all ages, and for the 5th year in a row, we have observed new females starting to nest! This is a monumental moment for the species in Canada.

Additionally, we are positively impacting a number of other species, as well as influencing our local communities. We have seen so many dedicated and caring individuals, from all walks of life, stand up for our declining reptiles, through fundraising/donations, citizen science, volunteering, contacting elected officials, creating habitat on their properties and so much more. There is such great enthusiasm to make the world a little bit safer for our scaled neighbours. With that being said, the road to recovery is a difficult one and significant threats remain, so we are unable to let off the gas until we ensure there are viable populations and protected habitat throughout this region.

2024 SOARR RESULT OVERVIEW:

– a total of 10,000 hatchling turtles emerged in our lab, from 628 nests, of six different turtle species.

– of those 10,000 hatchlings, 5025 were endangered Spiny Softshell Turtles from the Thames River.

– We also conducted research at multiple sites, and assessed, measured, weighed and or marked over 500 turtles and snakes in the wild this year, including Spiny Softshell Turtle (endangered), Spotted Turtle (endangered), Blanding’s Turtle (endangered/threatened), Northern Map Turtle (special concern), Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (threatened), Queensnake (endangered) Milksnake (special concern) and others.

-We created, or rehabilitated over 20 turtle nesting sites, put in wildlife exclusion fencing to keep animals safe from roads, removed invasive plants, planted native plants, removed garbage from sensitive sites and installed various types of snake habitat throughout the watershed.

We all play a role in wildlife recovery, and united we have a strong voice for those without a voice.

Thank you!

Scott

Scott Gillingwater

Species At Risk Biologist, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

Director, Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR)

If you would like to donate to SOARR, follow this link.

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Save The Date: Hope In the Land Expo – April 5, 2025

From the Carolinian Canada Coalition:

In case you haven’t heard… the Hope in the Land Expo is back on April 5, 2025!

Bring your friends and family and spend the day experiencing storytelling, hands-on workshops, wildlife shows, presentations, native plant sales, exhibitor booths, and MORE at the Western Fair District Agriplex in London, ON.

Join a community of people growing and embedding HOPE in the land through the following themes:

Heal the Land

On the Land Encounters

Plants of These Lands

Embrace Each Other

All ages welcome!

Save the date and stay tuned for early bird tickets!

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Rallying Support For Landscape Connectivity From Algonquin To Adirondack

From Ontario Nature:

Algonquin to Adirondack Collaborative (A2A) would like your support in amplifying their latest action alert urging the Government of Ontario to advocate for wildlife crossings on highway 401 in the Frontenac Arch region.

As you may know from the recent release of our Right to Roam report, we estimate that more than 20,000 animals are killed every year on highways in the A2A corridor. These roads impose a barrier to wildlife movement. As development increases, habitat loss accumulates and species ranges shift in response to climate change, wildlife movement routes will become more limited.

The planned widening of Highway 401 to six and eventually eight lanes in portions of the region will further reduce connectivity and increase wildlife mortality. We’re working hard to preserve this landscape connectivity for the long-term function and resilience of the A2A region— but we need your help to reach a wider audience.

Sign the Action Alert.

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Fun Facts About Barn Swallows

From the Thames Talbot Land Trust:

Kickstart your day with these fascinating barn swallow facts:

Migration Marvels: These globe-trotters travel over 9600 km’s each year, migrating from Canada to South America!

Aerial Acrobats: Their signature forked tails allow them to make swift, sharp turns while flying at incredible speeds.

Nature’s Architects: Using mud and twigs, they construct intricate nests in barns or under bridges—a true demonstration of their resourcefulness.

By protecting barn swallows and their habitats, we’re ensuring these awe-inspiring birds thrive for generations to come. Together, we’re making a difference!