Cases of freeze-dried freshwater turtles at the northern limit of their ranges in southern Ontario

Authors

  • Marc Dupuis-Désormeaux York University
  • Scott Gillingwater Upper Thames Conservation Authority
  • Sue J. Carstairs Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (operating name of the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v136i4.2959

Keywords:

Brumation, winter, turtle, freeze-thaw cycle, Ontario, wetlands, anthropogenic disturbances

Abstract

Turtles in northern latitudes are at the limit of their ranges and display various strategies for surviving the winter, including moving under the ice and out of water. Anthropogenic disturbances are often at the root of local habitat changes that can cause turtles to move from underwater refugia onto land, sometimes resulting in freezing and death. Turtles may also leave the water under natural freeze–thaw cycles, with early exits potentially maladaptive and lethal. We document cases of freshwater turtles freezing out of water at all life stages. We give a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of freeze-dried carcasses and highlight some of the climatic challenges facing overwintering turtles in southern Ontario.

Author Biography

Marc Dupuis-Désormeaux, York University

Department of Biology, Glendon College, York University, 2275 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M6 Canada

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Published

2023-06-21

Issue

Section

Articles