La Mauricie National Park of Canada
For the Survival of the Wood Turtle
Wood turtle
© Parks Canada/Jacques Pleau
The wood turtle is a an endangered species in Canada. The destruction of its habitat, poaching and disturbance by human beings, along with pollution, have seriously undermined its status. It as now been designated a threatened species in Canada. In Quebec, the wood turtles is designated as vulnerable species.
Although La Mauricie National Park is north of the distribution boundary of the species, it does offer shelter to one isolated community.
A Little-known Reptile
The presence of the wood turtle in La Mauricie has been known for a very long time. However, there has never been any specific information available about it.
Preliminary research began in 1994 and 1995. Initially, all the observations noted by the wardens since the opening of the park in 1970 were analyzed in order to determine which critical habitats needed protecting. As of spring 1996, a number of partners joined with the park personnel and began an exhaustive study of the population. Research was carried out on foot and by canoe, in order to catch and mark the turtles. Data such as age, sex, weight and size were noted to assess the characteristics of this population. In 1998, 2002 and 2004, the same research program was repeated and the recapturing of turtles that had been marked in the previous year allowed an estimate of the population level.
Moreover, radio-transmitters were attached to turtles and a weekly follow-up of these animals has provided information as to the extent of their movements and the habitats they use. Thanks to this program, their egg-laying and hibernation sites have also been identified. As a result of this study, it is now known that the species is located in a very specific area, and seems to be associated with the particular characteristics of a river whose source is in the park itself.