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Biodôme's conservation projects

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Wood turtles released into their original environment in the Témiscouata
Photo: Espace pour la vie/Sophie Vadnais
Four young wood turtles about to be released into the their original environment.
  • Four young wood turtles about to be released into the their original environment.
  • Pseudacris triseriata.
  • Moxostoma hubbsi

Within the framework of a policy of compliance with international plant and animal health standards, the Biodôme’s conservation activities involve its living collections as well as safeguarding natural environments. The Biodôme participates in a number of national and international conservation programs to prevent extinction and promote reintroduction of endangered species into their natural habitat. It also conducts many research projects on endangered species or collaborates with partner institutions on their research.

 

Promoting the survival of the wood turtle

The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is the most terrestrial of freshwater turtles native to Québec. It’s been listed as vulnerable under the provincial Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife since 2005.

Unfortunately, most of the turtle populations in Québec are at risk because of the loss and degradation of their natural habitat, collisions on the road, and a number of other factors linked to human activities. The wood turtle is also threatened by poaching and illegal trade.

In collaboration with the Québec Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, the Biodôme is endeavoring to help maintain the populations of the species in their natural surroundings.

The “head start” program for wood turtles makes it possible to raise dozens of young turtles in captivity. The goal is to increase the survival rate of those young and to protect them from various threats (predators, poaching, and so on) during their most critical period, which is from hatching until the age of one or two. As soon as they’re big and heavy enough, the young turtles can be released into their original natural environment in the Témiscouata and Madawaska regions.

 

Breeding Western Chorus Frogs

The Western chorus frog, Pseudacris triseriata, is the smallest living frog in Québec, measuring between 2.1 and 3.7 cm. It is found in the lowlands of the southwestern part of the province. It inhabits and reproduces in shallow water (ponds, ditches, flooded clearings). For several decades, the chorus frog’s situation has greatly deteriorated because of the destruction of its habitat. 

In spring 2000, the Western chorus frog was officially designated a vulnerable species under the Act Respecting Endangered and Vulnerable Species.

The Biodôme, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Ecomuseum and the Ministère des Ressources Naturelles (MRN) are currently working with the Western Chorus Frog Restoration Team. The aim of this collaboration is to develop expertise in keeping them in captivity, hibernation, reproduction and maintaining a captive population. Such knowledge is necessary in case a survival population is needed in the event of a massive population loss in the frog’s natural habitat.

Conservation of the Copper Redhorse

The copper redhorse, Moxostoma hubbsi, is a species of fish that only exists in Québec and is in danger of extinction. The critical situation prompted the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec to develop an artificial reprodution technique, in collaboration with the Biodôme and the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Methods of hormonal induction, egg incubation and raising the young were developed. More specifically, the Biodôme has played an important role in developing a shelter network (genitarium) to conserve the species’ genetic variability. As of 1994, young copper redhorse males crossbred from different parents are kept at the Biodôme, the Québec Aquarium and the Baldwin Mills provincial fish hatchery.