The spiny softshell turtles were classified as endangered by the Canadian government in 2005, but they are slowly being reintroduced in a newly protected natural area in Pike River, Que., southeast of Montreal. Handout photo by NCC
The Nature Conservancy of Canada said Thursday it acquired two hectares of land southeast of Montreal to protect the habitat of the endangered spiny softshell turtle.
The conservation group said the properties along the water in Pike River, Que., about 70 kilometres southeast of Montreal, are close to one of the few known spiny softshell turtle egg-laying sites.
About 100 turtles were released into the water of the Rivière aux Brochets in Pike River on Thursday, joining more than 1,600 other turtles that have been reintroduced in the area since 2010.