Record number of submissions in 2017

Last spring, we launched a new app for reporting sightings to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas and held a very successful digital BioBlitz. Our volunteer citizen scientists submitted more than 24,000 sightings through the atlas app and spreadsheets. This is the highest number of observations submitted to the atlas in a calendar year! Of these records, 10,600 were submitted through the app and the remaining records were submitted through spreadsheets, which can bedownloaded on our website. We are excited to break records again this year. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Contribute to conservation and win prizes on May 19–21, May 25–27 and June 16–18

Join us for the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas BioBlitz! Held over three weekends in May and June, the goal of the BioBlitz is to improve our knowledge of these cryptic creatures where there are knowledge gaps. Search for reptiles and amphibians on your own, with a group of friends or join a guided hike – any budding or experienced citizen scientist is welcome to participate. Each submission to the app earns points and the top contributors will win prizes such as, field guides, turtle crossing signs and entry passes to Scales Nature Park! Use the interactive maps in our app or on our website to choose a location that will earn the most points. Visit our event page to learn more about how to earn points and register for our first guided hike at Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve on Saturday May 26th!

Norfolk Snake Project

Ontario Nature will continue with the Norfolk Snake Project this year, filling knowledge gaps for two endangered snake species. Targeted surveys will be completed to determine the current range of eastern foxsnake in Haldimand and Norfolk counties. We are also continuing our partnership with Natural Resource Solutions (NRSI) to study gray ratsnake habitat use and distribution in Norfolk and east Elgin counties. We will also be developing and testing long-term monitoring protocols for Ontario’s snakes with conservation professionals. Please continue to contribute to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas. If you are in Haldimand or Norfolk counties it is especially important for you to report your eastern foxsnake and gray ratsnake sightings.

Winter species ID challenge

Were you able to identify the species in our winter newsletter? The correct answer is a juvenile eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos). Eastern hog-nosed snakes are listed as threatened in Ontario. Their coloration and patterning is highly variable, however this species can be recognized by a large, dark blotch behind each eye and its upturned snout. When threatened or disturbed, hog-nosed snakes flatten their necks into a ‘hood’ similar to a cobra, hiss and lunge with their mouth closed. If these bluff strikes don’t work, the snake plays dead by rolling onto its back with its mouth open and tongue hanging out, emitting a foul-smelling odour, and sometimes defecating or regurgitating food.

Turtle Walks

The Land Between is organizing walks in response to the turtle crisis in 2017, when unprecedented numbers of turtles were killed on roads and brought into trauma centers for treatment. The two-kilometre walks will take place during the Flower Moon (late May to early June) – the most active time for turtle nesting in central Ontario. Participants raise pledges in support of conservation planning and turtle tunnels as well as for the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. Walks are being held in Peterborough, Bancroft and Fenelon Falls on May 26th; and in Bracebridge and Haliburton on June 2nd. Please join in and support this cause by walking for turtles. If you are interested in volunteering to lead walks or to help with registration, please contact Leora at: 705-457-4838.

Vernal pool mapping project

 Vernal pools are temporary wetlands that form in small depressions in the forest during early spring. These isolated wetlands provide critical habitat for many of Ontario’s amphibians – serving as a nursery by providing an environment free from predatory fish, which allows for the development of amphibian eggs and larvae. We have launched a pilot project to map the location of vernal pools to help us better understand where these important habitats are, and to assess trends in the presence of amphibians across the landscape. This information will also be integrated into the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas to guide conservation practices and long-term monitoring. If you have observed vernal pools and are interested in participating in the project, please email us for more information.

Species Challenge: