Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre

The purpose of the present research was to identify areas of high turtle road mortality, known as hotspots, in order to determine what steps can be taken to help reduce the number of endangered turtle species killed on Ontario roadways. The project was completed by collecting data on turtle locations and using ArcGIS mapping software, by Esri, to determine hotspot locations along a specific highway in Ontario. Once hotspots were determined, examination of literature was conducted to determine the best way to prevent road mortality. Finally, individuals from government and non-for-profit organizations focused on turtle road mortality were interviewed to help determine what is a realistic plan to combat turtle road mortality. In the area of focus, 4 hotspot locations were observed, and the most effective mitigation measures were determined to be a combination of a culvert and a drift fence. In terms of implementation, the jurisdiction over a roadway and whether mitigation measures will be put into place belongs to the proper road authority. However, when road construction impacts an endangered species, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry can enforce, under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, the road authority to implement mitigation measures. Throughout this project, areas for future research such as improving communication between groups involved in turtle road mortality, were also identified and noted.

Seven of the eight turtle species in Ontario are classified as 'at risk' with two, the spotted and the wood turtle, classified as endangered. This undoubtedly high number of calls for conservation action to be implemented to ensure the survival of the turtle race as a whole to continue its existence in the province of Ontario.