Calling turtle taxi drivers: conservation groups seek volunteers to protect slow-moving reptiles

It's World Turtle Day, and conservationists are looking for turtle taxi drivers to help protect animals that may venture onto roads in the spring.

In addition to being National Road Trip Day, May 23 is also World Turtle Day, and conservationists and nature lovers are asking those looking to take a drive on a country road to be aware that heroes with a half shell may be crossing at a slow pace.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), in collaboration with Quebec’s turtle rehabilitation centre (CRTQ) are reminding drivers that turtles are very sensitive to temperature change and begin moving around to search for food, mates and places to lay their eggs.

As such, the slow-moving reptiles are also at risk of being run over.

The two organizations began the Taxi Carapace, a program with around 50 volunteers who quickly and safely transport injured turtles to the CRTQ on Sainte-Rose Boulevard in Laval.

One volunteer, the organization said, travelled 400 kilometres to save a turtle.

“Public involvement is fundamental to the recovery of injured turtles,” said NCC project manager Francisco Retamal-Diaz. “The Taxi Carapace program goes beyond simple reporting to provide a concrete opportunity for action. This network of volunteers ensures that injured turtles are transported quickly and safely to the care centre, maximizing their chances of survival.”

Once cared for, the volunteers then take the creatures back to their natural habitats.

Those wanting to help can fill out a volunteer form.

The project also gathers data on movements, habitats and causes of turtle death through citizen reporting to develop conservation measures.

Those who spot a turtle can log it and contact the CRTQ if it is in distress.

In 2024, the CRTQ released 93 turtles, 32 of whom were released by volunteers.

In Quebec, the Blanding’s Turtle, spiny softshell turtle, wood turtle, northern map turtle, and snapping turtle are all listed as endangered, in a precarious state or of special concern.

An endangered Kemp’s ridley turtle was discovered in the Magdalen Islands in December.

Turtle facts:

• Turtles are part of the Testudines order.
• Eight species of freshwater turtles and four sea turtles are found in Canada. Seven are found in Quebec.
• A group of turtles is called a “bale.”