Chatham-Kent’s rich biodiversity is a blessing that will be receiving additional attention through a joint effort of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.
Municipal officials say an awareness campaign including signage is being developed to make sure residents know where species at risk may live along our municipal roadways and how public action can limit impacts to the animals during breeding season and throughout the year.
Kelly Johnson, an Environmental Scientist with Chatham-Kent, said more than 100 species listed as either endangered, threatened, or special concern on the provincial Species at Risk list have been identified to occur within Chatham-Kent (including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, plants).
Turtles are particularly at risk to danger from traffic as they cross roadways and occasionally nest along road shoulders.
Seven of Ontario’s eight species at risk turtles can be found in Chatham-Kent.
Randall Van Wagner, Randall Van Wagner, Manager of Conservation Lands and Services with the LTCVA, concurred with threats faced by species at risk.
“All turtles are at risk in Ontario. Habitat loss is the main reason, but road mortality also plays a big role, as many turtles move to find suitable nesting sights to lay their eggs and are susceptible to being hit on our roads,” he said, in a media release.
“Other reptiles such as snakes suffer a similar fate especially areas around wetlands like Erieau, Mitchell’s Bay, Prairie Siding and Shrewsbury where Eastern Fox snake occur.”
The LTVCA has collaborated with DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) and are targeting Aquatic Species at Risk in our region.
Through science, research and field data we are taking that information and working with landowners to mitigate and naturally restore areas that have Species at Risk present.
“This initiative serves as an educational opportunity for citizens and a means of warning drivers to slow down and take notice of any species crossing roads,” Van Wagner added.
South Kent Councillor Anthony Ceccacci who brought forward the issue at council said it is the Municipality’s responsibility to help protect species at risk.
“If we want to be seen as a municipality that cares about the environment and species at risk, we need to do more than talk, we need to act,” he said, in a media release.
“We have willing partners both in terms of organizations and concerned members of our community and we need to do our part to act as good stewards of tis beautiful part of the planet we are fortunate to live on.”
For more information about species at risk and how you can help, visit the following sites:
– iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/)
– https://ontarioturtle.ca/get-involved/roads/
– https://www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk-ontario#section-9
