For Immediate Release
August 29, 2024
Local Reptile Research and Conservation faces Uphill Battle
Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) is one of the longest running and most successful reptile research and conservation programs in Canada. For over 30 years, SOARR has worked with some of the most at risk species in Ontario, including the Spiny Softshell Turtle. Thanks to the efforts of SOARR, this unique turtle species has been brought back from the brink of loss in the region.
SOARR works with some of the largest remaining populations of endangered turtles and snakes in Ontario. Through community involvement, detailed studies, and on-the-ground recovery efforts, SOARR has made life a little safer for local reptiles. In fact, SOARR鈥檚 turtle egg incubation program has hatched more endangered freshwater turtles than any similar program in North America.
鈥淭his year, wild nests of the Spiny Softshell Turtle along the Thames River would have had a failure rate of 100% due to the repeated flooding,鈥� said Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist with the 糖心直播 (UTRCA). 鈥淚nstead, due to SOARR鈥檚 efforts, those nests are hatching in our incubators and we will be releasing more than 6,000 young turtles into the wild this summer.鈥�
The journey for these young turtles is not easy, and it is estimated that only 1% of young will reach maturity. This is why SOARR鈥檚 efforts are critical to safeguard vulnerable reptile populations.
Spiny Softshell Turtle hatchlings released into their natural habitat. Photo by Scott Gillingwater, UTRCA.
Gillingwater has seen big changes over the years, both positive and negative. 鈥淥ver the past 30 years, I have seen the positive results of our work through an increase in reptile populations within our study sites and growing public interest and support. Unfortunately, threats to those reptiles keep increasing,” he shared.
Funding for SOARR is an ongoing concern. “We hope the local community will continue to support the study and conservation of reptiles, as well as efforts to train the next generation of conservation biologists and wildlife technicians,鈥� said Gillingwater.
Tax-deductible donations directly help to protect at-risk wildlife. Supporters are an important part of making this tangible change and ensuring that vulnerable reptiles remain in Ontario to support a healthy ecosystem 鈥� now and into the future.
Donate online at