Reptiles

A reptile study focuses on documenting and understanding the turtle, snake and lizard (reptile) populations in a specific area. The 2024 study will focus on turtles and snakes.

Eastern Painted Turtle.

Where are reptile studies taking place?

The 2024 reptile studies took place along sections of existing railway routes in Ontario, from Twin Elm up to Ottawa and down to Vars, and in Québec near Laval to the 740 highway in Québec City.

Why study reptiles?

Many turtles are considered at-risk by federal and/or provincial legislations. Alto planners may also encounter the Dekay’s Brownsnake which is protected under the Québec Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species, 1989.

Field studies will help Alto planners better understand and protect reptiles when building and operating the new railway, while determining a baseline for future studies.

Download fact sheet (PDF)