SOS for endangered reptiles

By Mark Carabetta

More than half of Ontario’s reptile species – 15 of 24 – are listed as at risk both provincially and nationally. That so many of our turtles and snakes, as well as Ontario’s only lizard (the five-lined skink), are in jeopardy is especially troubling given that Ontario is home to more reptile species – most of which are found south of the Canadian Shield – than any other province. The alteration and fragmentation of habitat, roadkill and a thriving pet trade all contribute to the ongoing demise of reptile populations, many of which may meet a fate similar to that of Ontario’s extirpated timber rattlesnake.

In response, Ontario Nature has launched its Reptiles-at-Risk project, supported by the George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation and Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program, and coordinated by Joe Crowley, a Metcalf Foundation intern and Ontario Nature’s Reptiles-at-Risk project coordinator. Within six of Ontario Nature’s reserves located in Grey and Bruce counties are significant populations of at-risk reptile species that Crowley and others will document and map.

Armed with mapping information noting species’ whereabouts and detailed descriptions of habitat needs, Ontario Nature can then identify opportunities for habitat restoration in Grey and Bruce counties, both reptile hot spots, and single out key areas that should be protected in those counties.

Ontario Nature’s Bruce Alvar, Baptist Harbour and Lyal Island nature reserves protect precious alvar ecosystems along the Bruce Peninsula, which are critical areas for species such as the threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Wetland ecosystems, including those on Ontario Nature’s Petrel Point, Malcolm Kirk and Kinghurst Forest nature reserves, provide much needed habitat for other reptiles, including ribbonsnakes and rare turtles.

Ultimately, the goal of the Reptiles-at-Risk project is to help ensure that reptiles are given the increasingly urgent attention they need.