Features: The Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera spinifera) is also known as the "pancake turtle" because of its rather flat, round, leathery upper shell, or carapace. The long neck and elongated, tubular snout allow this turtle to breathe while almost fully submerged and virtually unseen. Softshells ambush prey by lying concealed in bottom mud.

Status: Threatened Provincially and Nationally

Range: The Spiny Softshell occurs in southern Quebec, and, discontinuously, in eastern and southwestern Ontario. The range extends west to Wisconsin and south through the north central United States to the Tennessee River. This is a highly aquatic turtle associated with lakes and large rivers. It rarely ventures far from the shoreline, and may be seen basking on beaches, sandbars, logs and rocks. Range Maps

Threats: The main factor responsible for the decline of this turtle is thought to be habitat loss or degradation resulting from shoreline development or agricultural activity. Other threats include predation on eggs and young, environmental contaminants, and the accidental taking of turtles by the commercial fishery.

Protection: The Spiny Softshell is legally protected under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007. This species also receives protection under Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The Natural Heritage component of the Provincial Policy Statement under Ontario's Planning Act provides for the protection of significant habitat of threatened species. In addition, some populations are protected in provincial parks, where access to known nesting areas is restricted. A recovery plan has been developed for the Eastern Spiny Softshell in Ontario and is now being implemented. Part of the plan calls for wire cage "exclosures" to protect nest sites from predators until after the eggs have hatched.

Text Sources: Campbell et al. 1991a; Johnson 1989; Cook 1984

Last Modified Date: October 2008