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Halifax Herald, Thurs., Aug. 10, 2006 Endangered turtle hatchlings to be released into N.S. wild By MELANIE PATTEN The Canadian Press Theyąve spent most of the first three years of their lives being reared by scientists, protected from predators and safe in their green-grey shells. But a trio of young Blandingąs turtles will march alone into Nova Scotiaąs wilderness Thursday as part of a long-term bid to rebuild the provinceąs population of this critically endangered species. "These three turtles are kind of like astronauts," Stephen Flemming, a scientist with Parks Canada, said Wednesday. "Theyąre all wearing transmitters. Theyąre going to be put out there and weąre going to see how theyąre making out." The three siblings ‹ their sex will remain unknown until theyąre 20 years old ‹ will be given Miąkmaq names during a ceremony staged by the Bear River First Nation. Then theyąll be released into a lake at Kejimkujik National Park in western Nova Scotia, the same park they were taken from while still inside their eggs. Flemming is part of a team from Parks Canada, Acadia University in Wolfvilleand Oaklawn Farm Zoo in Aylesford. The Blandingąs turtle, notable for the sweep of bright yellow across its leathery neck, can be found around the Great Lakes, in a few places in New England and in southwest Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia population has dwindled to about 300 adults. Many are killed shortly after their birth by hungry racoons and other predators, researchers say. For years, scientists and volunteers have been collecting eggs, incubating them and raising the hatchlings until theyąre strong enough to defend themselves against predators ‹ a process known as head-starting. The three turtles slated for release were kept in a large aquarium at Oaklawn Farm Zoo in the Annapolis Valley. The climate-controlled tank features $300 lightbulbs that simulate sunlight. The trio was released once before, but it was determined they werenąt strong enough and were recaptured. "These guys are like Arnold Schwarzenegger turtles," said Flemming, referring to the one-time bodybuilder. "Theyąre ready to go." Once released, itąs hoped the turtles will provide clues to their lifestyle and habitat. They can live up to 80 years in the wild. "Once we learn about the species, we can learn more about wetlands and be able to protect our natural wetlands," said Michael Lawton, a student from Acadia whoąs been working on the turtle project. "Theyąre a model species for us to study." The turtles will be monitored as they settle into life in the wild. Flemming said the team would like to triple the current population in Nova Scotia. The team collected 57 eggs this spring, a dozen of which have already hatched. "Weąre really hoping this is the beginning of a big change," he said. "In ten years, we could have this population well on the road to recovery."
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