Carcajou Bay, Algonquin Park © Brett Hodnett
August 16, 2018–Jessica Ferguson
Citizen Science•Recreation and Events•Reptiles and Amphibians•Species at Risk
This spring, we set out to get the inside scoop on the secret lives of reptiles and amphibians. Despite garter snakes and green frogs being a common sight in many Ontario landscapes, there is still a lot to learn about our native herpetofauna. In Ontario, 75% of reptiles and 28% of amphibians are listed as ...
June 21, 2018–Emma Horrigan & Dr. Julia Riley
Frequently Asked Questions•Reptiles and Amphibians•Species at Risk
This is the second installment of our Turtle Nest Blog Series: Why the turtle crossed the road & other FAQ’s about turtle nests. Read the first installment of the series. 3. (Continued…) I have come across a female turtle nesting somewhere other than on a road. There are a large number of predators (i.e. foxes, ...
June 21, 2018–Emma Horrigan & Dr. Julia Riley
Frequently Asked Questions•Reptiles and Amphibians•Species at Risk
Turtles, often referred to as modern day dinosaurs, with their distinctive domed, bony shell, are easy to recognize. This unique armoured architecture provides turtles with protection from predators. However, despite their protective shells, seven of Ontario’s eight species of turtles are currently listed as species at-risk under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007, and face ...
Spotted salamander © Tricia Stinnissen
Spotted salamanders spend the majority of their time underground and out of sight. However, every spring they emerge to breed and lay eggs in the low lying areas of forests that fill up with water, which are called vernal pools. Spotted salamander eggs are easy to identify because they often have a bright green glow. ...
This spring a snapping turtle found in Hamilton’s Cootes Paradise was confirmed to have been infected with ranavirus. This potentially devastating virus has killed numerous amphibians, but this is the first time a Canadian reptile has been infected. What causes ranavirus and how is it transmitted? Ranavirus is an infectious DNA virus known to infect ...
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