Anthropogenic development negatively affects biodiversity worldwide, particularly wildlife with low fecundity, long lifespans, and extensive habitat requirements such as freshwater turtles. While large-scale habitat degradation’s effects on freshwater turtles are well-documented, the impact of low-level disturbances remain understudied, even though these subtler disturbances may alter movement patterns, increase energetic demands, and reduce reproductive success, threatening population viability. Understanding the impacts of all disturbance levels, including those considered minimal, is critical for effective conservation of sensitive species. In this study, we examined the response of the endangered Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) to a narrow range of low-level human disturbances in Northern Mnidoo Gamii (Georgian Bay), Ontario, Canada that included a reference site with no visible disturbance (REF), a site experiencing moderately low disturbances (DIS1; with roads), and a site experiencing higher levels of anthropogenic disturbances (DIS2; roads, industrial development). Using radio telemetry, we tracked 14 individuals (501 relocations) in REF during 2021 and 2022, as well as seven individuals (199 relocations) in DIS1, and 13 individuals (367 relocations) in DIS2 during 2023 and 2024. Turtles in DIS2 exhibited significantly larger home-range size, longer home-range length, and greater daily distance travelled than those in REF. Significant habitat selection was observed only in DIS2 at the landscape scale, whereas turtles in DIS1 and REF showed no significant selection at either the landscape or home-range scale. The increased movement in DIS2 was estimated to cost females the energetic equivalent of producing 1.85 more eggs per active season (18.5% of a full clutch). These findings highlight that even moderate habitat disturbances can impose substantial energetic burdens on freshwater turtles, and that there may be a disturbance threshold above which the long-term population viability is compromised. Conservation strategies should prioritize minimizing even low levels of habitat degradation to support the viability of at-risk freshwater turtle populations.

Co-developed conservation programs for Species At-Risk, created in partnership between Indigenous Nations and non-Indigenous researchers, represent a vital shift toward effective species recovery strategies that are culturally respectful, and contribute to reconciliation within the natural sciences. By weaving together diverse knowledge systems and prioritizing Indigenous laws, knowledge values, and community priorities, these collaborations aim to restore species at-risk populations and prevent species extirpation—a task of increasing urgency amid the global biodiversity decline. As similar partnerships gain momentum across Canada, it is critical to reflect on approaches that honor Indigenous perspectives and actively avoid the historical harms associated with colonial research practices on Indigenous lands. This paper presents six key themes for meaningful collaboration, informed by experiences from Whitefish River First Nation, or Wiigwaaskingaa (Elder Arthur McGregor baa, 2000) in Northern Mnidoo Gamii (Georgian Bay), Ontario, Canada, where community members and researchers co-developed a mshiikenh (freshwater turtle) conservation initiative. We focus on the importance of co-developing project objectives, honouring community priorities, respecting data sovereignty, the journey of learning and unlearning, focusing on a community-guided trajectory, and promoting tangible outcomes. By highlighting specific examples from Whitefish River First Nation’s mshiikenh conservation project, we demonstrate the value of community-engaged research as a pathway forward for Species At-Risk conservation in Canada and beyond.