PEI

AVC to study endangered turtles

The Atlantic Veterinary College and Acadia University are studying an endangered species of turtle from Nova Scotia.

The Atlantic Veterinary College on P.E.I. is studying an endangered species of turtle from Nova Scotia.

The college is partnering with Acadia University to determine the sex of 50 Blanding's turtles.

Unlike humans, turtles don't have an X or Y chromosome. The temperature at incubation  determines their sex .

The study began two years ago. Eggs were incubated at different temperatures to find out what will create a male or female turtle.

Researchers said they also hope to determine what kind of impact climate change has on the species.

The Blanding's turtle are an endangered species in Eastern Canada.

There are only 300 to 500 turtles.