The province’s only native turtle is at risk of disappearing due to habitat destruction, road mortality and competition from invasive species, such as the red-eared slider, according to Skeetchestn Natural Resources Corporation.
In the last decade alone, the Southern Interior has lost a significant amount of wetland to urban development, water pollution, erosion, forestry, and grazing. Ecosystems in danger of being destroyed or downsized in B.C. are a cause for concern for biologists, who say there is a lengthy process to assess whether or not a species is at risk of endangerment.
To help preserve the painted turtle, Shaun Freeman, who works for the Skeetchestn Natural Resources Corporation, is launching a habitat and restoration project in the ponds around Ashcroft, Cache Creek, and Savona. The campaign explains how anyone can get involved to help protect the turtle’s ecosystem this summer. Freeman says the easiest ways to help are by not moving logs in the forest, avoiding driving on wetlands, not interacting with the turtles and avoiding them on roadways. The number one threat to the painted turtle is losing its habitat.
The western painted turtle can be found throughout both the interior and coastal regions of B.C., Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Currently, there are fewer than 250 adult painted turtles in the Pacific Coast population. These turtles reside in and around the communities of Ashcroft, Savona, Kamloops, Cache Creek, and as far north as Williams Lake.
According to the provincial government, over 2,100 wildlife habitats have been listed as ‘at risk’ under the Wildlife and Habitats Act. Species classified as endangered are protected under the Forest and Range Practices Act.
Although the painted turtle is not abundant in areas they like to hang out in, their population remains viable given the right environment. Freeman says we are past the tipping point of saving the biodiversity within the province and that there is no better time to start helping than now.
“It’s also our responsibility to try to put something back, and that’s what we’re doing is focusing on trying to recover and rebuild the territory, knowing that we’re pretty much gone as far as we can,” said Freeman.
The western painted turtle is easily recognizable by the top part of the shell- also called the carapace- that is dark black to olive green in colour and may have red and yellow worm-like markings. The plastron, or lower part of the shell, is bright orange or red with a large, irregular-shaped, dark blotch in the middle, notes Freeman.
The painted turtle’s head and limbs are black or dark green with yellow stripes. This species can usually reach 25-30 cm in length. If you spot any of these turtles or a habitat that has been destroyed, you can report it to the SNRC Wildlife at 250-373-2613 or check out their their website.
