Ontario turtle added to the endangered species list

A newly hatched spiny softshell turtle is seen in the London, Ont. area on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014. (Chuck Dickson / CTV London)

A turtle that can be found in the Thames River is now considered to be in danger of extinction.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority says the spiny softshell turtle has been added to the endangered species list in Canada.

The designation comes as the turtle deals with the loss of its nesting habitat due to development, dams, floods, river bank erosion, invasive plants, recreational use and the illegal harvest of turtles.

Scott Gillingwater, a biologist with the conservation authority, says while populations continue to decline in most areas, the Thames River has become a stronghold for the species.