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SNAPPING TURTLE

snapping turtle monitoring

Coastal Action initiated their Snapping Turtle Monitoring Project in 2020 and it has since continued with funds from Nova Scotia’s Habitat Conservation Fund and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program. Snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and Eastern ribbonsnakes (Thamnophis sauritus) are listed as special concern and threatened, respectively, under the Species at Risk Act. The main threats to both species are anthropogenic (human-caused) and include road mortality, conversion of aquatic or riparian habitats, persecution, and illegal harvesting. 

Our research is focused on gathering baseline data on
snapping turtles and Eastern ribbonsnakes throughout the Petite Rivière Watershed, as well as providing education to dispel misinformation, engage stakeholders and reduce anthropogenic threats to both species.
 

The data collected during this project will be used to inform future monitoring and research of these two vulnerable species in Southwest Nova Scotia.
 
​
Other aspects of this project include:  
  • Visual surveys to confirm Eastern ribbonsnake presence, while training volunteers to survey and identify them.  
  • ​Snapping turtle population monitoring and baseline data collection through trapping, visual surveys and deploying trail cameras in targeted areas.  
  • Collecting eggshells from previously predated snapping turtle nests to be analyzed for mercury content by project partners the Dynamic Ecology and Environmental Health Research (DEEHR) Group at Saint Mary’s University. 
  • Creation of a map with observations for road crossings, nest sites, mortalities, and ‘hotspots’ where snapping turtles are frequently seen.  
  • ​Engagement of landowners within Lunenburg County to promote best management practices for conserving reptiles, their habitats, and biodiversity as a whole.   ​
Picture
Female snapping turtles nesting. They prefer soft gravel areas (like the side of the road) to dig and lay their eggs.
Picture
Egg shell fragments from a predated snapping turtle nest.
Picture
Hatchling snapping turtle spotted during the fall emergence season.

Picture

​This project is supported by the
​Nova Scotia Habitat Conservation Fund

For more information, contact noah@coastalaction.org 

Location

Coastal Action
The Mahone Bay Centre
PO Box 489
45 School Street
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
B0J 2E0

Contact Us

Tel: 902-634-9977
Email: info@coastalaction.org
Picture

COPYRIGHT © COASTAL ACTION 2020. SITE BY SKYSAIL.
  • HOME
    • WHO WE ARE
    • NEWSLETTER
  • WHAT WE DO
    • CLIMATE CHANGE >
      • STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
      • LIVING SHORELINES
      • INTERACTIVE FLOOD MAPPING
      • Agricultural Projects
    • ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION >
      • Camp FAQ
      • EARTH ADVENTURE CAMPS
      • SCHOOL PROGRAMS
      • NOVA ACTION >
        • MEET THE COHORT
        • CONTACT THE TEAM
    • COASTAL & MARINE >
      • MICROPLASTICS
      • GHOST GEAR
      • OCEAN FRIENDLY NOVA SCOTIA
    • WATERSHEDS & WATER QUALITY >
      • WATERSHEDS >
        • FISH HABITAT RESTORATION
      • WATER QUALITY >
        • LAHAVE WATERSHED
        • PETITE RIVIÈRE
        • SHERBROOKE LAKE & FOX POINT LAKE
    • SPECIES AT RISK & BIODIVERSITY >
      • ATLANTIC WHITEFISH
      • AMERICAN EEL
      • SNAPPING TURTLE
    • PAST PROJECTS >
      • LUNENBURG HARBOUR
      • ATLANTIC SALMON
      • COASTAL POLICY
      • WILDCAT SHALE PIT
      • ROSEATE TERN RECOVERY
      • CLEAN BOATING CAMPAIGN
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
  • WHAT YOU CAN DO
    • DONATE
    • WORK WITH US
    • AWARDS & BURSARIES
  • EVENTS
  • DONATE
  • CONTACT