1-17 pp. It also boasts a long snout that acts as a snorkel. Charitable registration # 10737 8952 RR0001, Spiny softshell turtle hatchling © Scott Gillingwater, Spiny softshell turtle hatchling © Joe Crowley. The carapace of females of this large turtle may reach 43 centimetres in length, and that of males may reach a length of about 23 centimetres. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Eggs hatch in late summer or fall. Spiny softshells mate in spring, usually in deep water, and nest in June and July in open sandy or gravelly areas close to water. 214 King Street West, Suite 612 Toronto, ON M5H 3S6, © 2010 — 2021 Ontario Nature. Both the common name, spiny softshell, and the specific name, spinifera (spine-bearing), refer to the spiny, cone-like projections on the leading edge of the carapace, which are not scutes … The spiny softshell turtle is a native species to Vermont that’s listed as threatened by the state, but recent conservation efforts appear to have helped boost the population. Frankham, R. 1995. … Spiny Softshell. They are highly aquatic and can stay underwater for up to five hours, getting nearly half the oxygen they need by breathing through their skin. They are associated with freshwater habitat. © 2021 Awesome Ocean. Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle. Spiny softshell turtle nests are often destroyed by raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Apalone spinifera The Eastern Spiny Softshell is a highly aquatic species that lives in rivers and shorelines of large lakes. Fletcher, M. 2002. Although not listed as threatened in the United States, spiny softshell turtles still face some threats, including habitat destruction and chemical pollution. Anthropogenic changes to the landscape have led to extreme habitat loss for the species. However, the giant softshell turtles are all threatened species. The species’ status was confirmed in January 2010. Update COSEWIC status report on the spiny softshell turtle Apalone spinifera in Canada, in COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the spiny softshell turtle Apalone spinifera in Canada. Additional detail about legal protection for species at risk in Ontario is available on our Legal Protection page. Facts Summary: The Cuatro Cienegas Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera atra) is a species of concern belonging in the species group "reptiles" and found in the following area(s): Mexico.This species is also known by the following name(s): Black Spiny Softshell Turtle, Cuatrocienegas Softshell, Tortuga Concha … … At times they can be found basking at the surface, and females will emerge to nest on sandbars and banks. Learn more about reptile and amphibian conservation and what you can do to help these species on our Reptile and Amphibian Stewardship page. The Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a species of softshell turtle that is endemic to China (Inner Mongolia to Hainan), with records of escapees—some of which have established introduced populations—in a wide range of other Asian countries, as well as Spain, Brazil and Hawaii.. The smooth softshell turtle is listed as endangered in Illinois. Jun 7, 2016 - Continuing decline of the turtle in both Ontario and Quebec is blamed primarily on the loss of natural nesting grounds, invasive plants and poaching. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has not assessed the global status of the spiny softshell. The legs and head are dark green or grey with dark patterning, and along each side of the head is a distinct yellow stripe outlined in black. With its soft, leathery carapace and pointy snout, the spiny softshell is unlike any other turtle in Ontario. Populations … Fun Fact The spiny softshell turtle, in parts of its range, hibernates in mud for about half of the year. Spiny softshell turtle Conservation … The carapace is olive-grey, brownish or tan, and its edges are yellow with a black outline. Spiny softshell turtles feed on crayfish, molluscs, fish, amphibians and vegetation. While the North American softshell turtles such as Florida softshell turtle, smooth softshell turtle, and the spiny softshell turtle hold statuses of Least Concern according to IUCN. Despite all of the attention on the pandemic this year, climate change is still a problem with real consequences for many species in Canada. ! Being listed as an endangered species will help to protect important nesting habitat, and lead to further recovery efforts for the species. Males can reach a carapace length of up to 21.6 cm. Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle; Map Turtle; Midland Painted Turtles; Snapping turtles can only be taken between July 1 and October 21. ... After all most laws aim to protect and help endangered turtle species to grow in number. The 6- to 13.5-inch turtle may be confused with its cousin, the spiny softshell turtle, but the Midland has a cream-colored, black-bordered line on … The young are three to four centimetres long and may not emerge from the nest until the following spring. … Have declined in some areas due to pollution, exploitation, and elimination of nesting sites. | It is small (shell usually less than five inches long), has yellow spots on a dark shell, and lives in shallow wetlands. The spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera): The spiny softshell turtle is often also referred to as the "pancake turtle" (2). The turtles spend the majority of their lives in the water and have the ability to breathe underwater. In the northern region of their range the turtles are known to hibernate for six months. Fletcher, M. 2002. Efforts to save softshell turtle slow but steady, Betrayed! Unlike in most turtle species, in the spiny softshell the gender of the hatchlings is independent of incubation temperature. Adults are killed and eaten only by humans, they have few natural predators. It is also distinguished by its snorkel-like snout. These turtles require gravelly or sandy areas for nesting and deep water for hibernating. Read the assessment report (PDF) What it looks like. Ontario’s most peculiar looking turtle, the spiny softshell has a long snout and a leathery carapace with small spiny projections at the front edge. Unfortunately, many spiny softshell turtles do not even reach the reproductive stage. They inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Community fights the trashing of Oxford County. These acts offer protection to individuals and their habitat. Update COSEWIC status report on the spiny softshell turtle Apalone spinifera in Canada, in COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the spiny softshell turtle Apalone spinifera in Canada. 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