Spotted Turtle Conservation Project: Protecting Rare Species for Future Generations
Stark Parks has launched a conservation project focusing on spotted turtles in partnership with Wild4Ever: Wildlife Conservation Foundation. This groundbreaking initiative aims to preserve the spotted turtle, one of North America's most threatened reptiles by learning how to evaluate and treat a serious emerging disease affecting the survival of this threatened turtle species. The project seeks to understand the disease process in spotted turtles, develop a treatment protocol, and increase awareness of the critical threats to their survival in the wild. A long-term goal is to release healthy spotted turtles back into the wild to help with local populations.
About the Spotted Turtle
Found primarily in wetlands bordering the Great Lakes (in the United States and Canada) and in select areas along the eastern coast of the United States, spotted turtles are particularly vulnerable due to habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and climate change. As a result, the species has been classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and threatened by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Spotted turtles are a small, semi-aquatic species known for their distinctive black shell adorned with yellow or orange spots.
Why It Matters
The spotted turtle is a keystone species in its ecosystem, playing a key role in maintaining the balance of wetland environments. The conservation of this species will not only benefit the turtles but also the many other plants and animals that depend on healthy wetland habitats.
"Our mission is to give this beautiful and vital species a chance to thrive for generations to come," said Stephon Echague, Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center Manager. "By focusing on researching diseases affecting aquatic turtles, we believe we can make a real difference in the future of this species and the wetlands they call home."
IPA Named in Honor of Spotted Turtles
Fat Head’s Brewery in Canton is releasing an IPA beer in support of the spotted turtle program and the Wildlife Conservation Center. A dollar from each sale of the Hakuna Guttata IPA (a play on the scientific name of spotted turtles, Clemmys guttata) pint will go to the Wildlife Conservation Center Fund through Friends of Stark Parks. The IPA will be introduced on Monday, April 21st at an event from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the 3885 Everhard Rd NW, Canton location.
During the event, Friends of Stark Parks members will receive a 10% discount on food orders.
