Through its wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) conservation program, the Biodôme—working in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP)—is helping protect wild populations of this species in their natural habitat.
Most turtle populations in Quebec are at risk due to the loss or degradation of their natural habitats, road collisions, and several other human-related factors. The wood turtle—the most terrestrial (land-dwelling) of Quebec’s native freshwater turtles—is affected by these threats, as well as by poaching and illegal trade.
Protecting young turtles from threats
Each year, the Biodôme raises dozens of young wood turtles as part of its conservation program. The goal is to improve their chances of survival by protecting them from predators and other threats.
Since 2014, a team from the MELCCFP has been collecting wood turtle eggs laid in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and placing them in incubators. Once the eggs hatch, the young turtles are transferred to the Biodôme, where our technicians care for them for one to two years.
When the turtles reach a suitable size and weight, they are released back into their natural habitat in the Témiscouata and Madawaska regions.
Before their release, the wood turtles are equipped with a microchip for identification or a radio transmitter that allows researchers to track their movements. This technology helps assess the success of our efforts to give this species a much-needed boost.
A video of wood turtles at the Biodôme:
Studying young turtle behavior
In 2024, a new research project on wood turtles was launched to closely examine how enriched environments affect the locomotion and behavior of juvenile turtles. The data collected will help optimize conservation efforts within this program.
That same year, 41 turtles were released into the wild, and 62 new juvenile turtles were brought into care.
Learn more about wood turtle conservation:
Enjoying water bodies while preserving the fauna and flora
Spring, a risky period for turtles
Turtle steps towards the protection of a species
If you spot a turtle in Quebec, you can report it on the citizen science website Carapace.ca.