It’s been a busy 2021 for RBG biologists as they work to restore turtle populations – Hamilton | The Canadian News

Four baby Midland painted turtles have begun their long and dangerous journey into adulthood at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG).

Species at Risk (SAR) biologists released the babies near Grindstone Creek on Monday, as part of an ongoing effort to rehabilitate endangered native turtle populations.

Biologist Sarah Richer says the 2021 nesting season has been successful for the SAR team, which has protected 59 nests on RBG properties.

Many of the nests were in unsafe locations and, as a result, were safely removed to increase the hatchlings’ chances of survival.

“By hatching the eggs and releasing them once they are hatchlings,” says Richer, “we have managed to overcome their most vulnerable point.”

Richer emphasizes that baby turtles still face many dangers as they grow, from predators and motor vehicles, to pollution and the loss of their habitat.

“People keep discarding tires and keep drowning adult snapping turtles,” Richer adds, “the people who release their pets, who are contributing to the diseases that we are encountering now.”

If we don’t protect the adults and the habitat, we run out of babies to protect, ”Richer emphasizes.

On the bright side, Richer says there are signs of progress through his efforts.

“Anecdotally, I myself have had an increase in reports of unborn juveniles now hovering around properties,” says Richer, “which is exceptional.”

RBG has released approximately 1,200 hatchlings back to local wetlands, with Monday’s release being the last of this season.