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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 Theyıve 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 Blandingıs turtles will march alone into Nova Scotiaıs wilderness Thursday as part of a long-term bid to rebuild the provinceıs population of this critically endangered species. "These three turtles are kind of like astronauts," Stephen Flemming, a scientist with Parks Canada, said Wednesday. "Theyıre all wearing transmitters. Theyıre going to be put out there and weıre going to see how theyıre making out." The three siblings their sex will remain unknown until theyıre 20 years old will be given Miıkmaq names during a ceremony staged by the Bear River First Nation. Then theyıll 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 Blandingıs 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 theyıre 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 werenıt strong enough and were recaptured. "These guys are like Arnold Schwarzenegger turtles," said Flemming, referring to the one-time bodybuilder. "Theyıre ready to go." Once released, itıs 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 whoıs been working on the turtle project. "Theyıre 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. "Weıre 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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