help a Blanding's turtle reach its 25th birthday

In Canada, Blanding's turtles rely on the freshwater wetlands of Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia for survival. The Blanding's turtle can grow up to 27 cm in length and is often distinguished by its bright yellow chin and throat.

Blanding's turtles can live to be 80 years old. However, they don't reach maturity until 25 years of age, after which individuals only produce 3-19 eggs every 2-3 years. This delayed maturity and slow reproductive rate makes Blanding's turtles highly vulnerable to threats such as habitat degradation from agriculture and development.

Under the Species at Risk Act, the Blanding's turtle is designated as Threatened in Ontario and Endangered in Nova Scotia.

With your gift of $30.00, you will be helping WWF-Canada's efforts to maintain the health of freshwater habitats for Blanding's turtles across the country.

*In the eventuality that net funds in excess of the program costs are raised, they will be redirected towards other important conservation programs.

Image © Scott D. Gillingwater