Protecting Turtles on Roads: Raising Awareness and Reducing Speeds. Duncan Smith, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

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1 Protecting Turtles on Roads: Raising Awareness and Reducing Speeds Duncan Smith, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

2 Overview Background Info (quick and dirty) Turtles of Nova Scotia Blanding s Turtle Protecting Turtles on Our Roads Rationale Implementation Evaluation Mechanisms Next Steps

3 Turtles of Nova Scotia Q: What are the 4 freshwater turtles in Nova Scotia? Eastern Painted Turtle Duncan Smith Common Snapping Turtle Wood Turtle unknown Duncan Smith Blanding s Turtle

4 The Blanding s Turtle Q: What is the status of the Blanding s Turtle in Nova Scotia? A: Endangered Q: What is the estimated population size in Nova Scotia? A: 300 adults Duncan Smith

5 Protecting Turtles on Our Roads 1. Turtles are killed by cars on our roads every year. Adult females nest on the roadsides each year 5 of 35 known breeding females in Kejimkujik nest on the roadsides. 3 of 38 adult females killed in less than one generation (almost 10%) Each year, more than 60% of hatchlings from a single roadside nest may be car casualties 2. Female Blanding s turtles have specific nesting areas Designated Blanding s turtle critical habitat - essential for the survival of the species they receive Kejimkujik s highest level of protection.

6 Critical Habitat was partially delineated in 2006 Mapped out Turtle Zones on Keji s Roads Developed a strategy which focused on actions and education Actions Education: Protecting Turtles on Our Roads - Seasonal sign and speed bump placement - Evaluation of effectiveness (actions & education) - Developed key messages - Designed marketing tools Give Turtles a Brake!

7 Turtle Zones Type 1 significant nesting area for painted or snapping turtles Measures: generic turtle sign Type 2 Blanding s nesting sites Measures: signage that explicitly states endangered species nesting area J-Line: reduce speed to 20km/hr with signs and speed bumps.

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9 Education: Key Messages 1. Turtle Zones are areas frequently used by female turtles for nesting. Turtle signs mean: slow down, watch carefully and stay on the pavement. 2. What to watch for: In June, female Blanding s turtles nest on the roadside In September and October, tooniesized hatchlings are on the pavement Norm Green, Friends of Keji 3. The federal Species At Risk Act legally protects Blanding s turtles and their habitat. There are very substantial fines for individuals who purposefully or negligently disturb or destroy these turtles or their habitat. 4. YOU can help protect Blanding s turtles Respecting turtle zones, reporting sightings to park staff and getting involved with recovery activities you can help protect this endangered species.

10 Education: Marketing Marketing: T-shirts Bumper Stickers Visitor Guide Small Signs (future)

11 Evaluating Success Quantitative Evaluation Methods Number of turtles hit by cars Number of people contacted through programs Quantity of Merchandise distributed Number of questions asked about Turtle Zones Qualitative Evaluation Methods Measure the audiences knowledge of the projects key messages Determine changes in driving behaviour

12 Evaluating Success: : Knowledge n = 163

13 Evaluating Success: Behaviour

14 Next Steps Enhance Protection of Blanding s Turtle Sites in the fall Proposed Options to date: Tunnels / Fences to limit movement Hatchling specific media Headstart hatchlings Move hatchlings A combination of the above? Jan Bell, Friends of Keji

15 Next Steps Develop Protection Mechanisms for Outside Kejimkujik Proposed Options to date: Work with Communities Work with DOT Signs Habitat Modifications What we discover here!

16 Special Thanks Brennan Caverhill Stephen Flemming Tom Herman Jeffie McNiel Friends of Keji Cooperating Association The Blanding s Turtle Recovery Team The Parks Canada Species at Risk Recovery Action and Education Fund (SARRAEF)

17 Contact Information Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site Box 236, Maitland Bridge Nova Scotia, B0T 1B0 All photos copyright Parks Canada unless stated otherwise.