By Canadian Press

Habitat for endangered spiny softshell turtle protected southeast of Montreal

May 13, 2021 | 1:29 PM

BROME-MISSISQUOI — The Nature Conservancy of Canada says it acquired two hectares of land southeast of Montreal to protect the habitat of the endangered spiny softshell turtle.

The conservation group says the properties along a river in Pike River, Que., about 70 kilometres southeast of Montreal, are close to one of the few known spiny softshell turtle egg-laying sites.

About 100 turtles were released into the water of the Rivière aux Brochets in Pike River today, joining more than 1,600 others that have been reintroduced in the area since 2010. 

Conservancy vice-president Joel Bonin says the newly protected land is critical for the future of the species that has been classified as endangered by the federal government in 2005.

Quebec Environment Minister Benoit Charette said today the provincial government gave the nature conservancy $40.1 million to help protect natural environments, and that part of that money went to purchase the two hectares of land.

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Charette says conserving the land not only protects the turtles but also helps protect southern Quebec’s biodiversity.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 13, 2021. 

The Canadian Press