Tag Archives: Snakes

Animals, Development

BC is moving millions of frogs for construction—no one knows if they’re surviving

Leave a comment

The study finds that frogs and salamanders are moved by the millions, along with smaller numbers of snakes and other reptiles, to clear the way for pipelines, culverts and other development.

By Lou Bosshart, UBC News

New research shows that more than five million amphibians and reptiles were relocated to make way for development in B.C. between 2019 and 2022, yet there is no requirement to determine whether they survived.

Moving millions, tracking few 

The practice, called mitigation translocation, has been standard in B.C. for over a decade: before breaking ground, proponents obtain a provincial permit and move amphibians and reptiles off-site. What they’re not required to do: determine if those animals survive.

Continue reading BC is moving millions of frogs for construction—no one knows if they’re surviving →
Animals

Slugs and bugs are worth saving, too

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Conservationists striving to prevent species from going extinct find it tricky enough to save Canada’s most magnificent and iconic animals, like southern resident killer whales, mountain caribou or grizzly bears. 

But most of the 640 wildlife now listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act are flora and fauna that don’t get time in the spotlight. More than a third of at-risk species are plants, mosses and lichens most people would probably walk past without a second glance. 

Another 30 per cent are slimy, slithery, creepy creatures that folks might well notice but find repellent. But critters like slugs, bugs and snakes are critical to ecosystems, too, and deserve a lot more love. 

So, Canada’s National Observer asked three B.C. biologists to champion a less charismatic creature they think is fascinating and deserves a little public adoration.

Continue reading Slugs and bugs are worth saving, too →