Small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 10

Threats

In the 1991 Status Report, we suggested that, because of its very limited distribution in Canada, Ambystoma texanum was vulnerable to environmental degradation, modified drainage patterns, and other habitat destruction that could seriously affect existing populations in such a small area. Development has proceeded in the northern and eastern regions of the island where the historical sites appear to have been lost. Cutting of trees and removal of rotting trunks is detrimental to the salamanders because a canopy is important to retard evaporation of breeding ponds and flooded areas, and rotting trunks provide habitat for invertebrates that serve as food for transformed salamanders. The recognized breeding sites on Pelee Island are vulnerable to low water levels on Lake Erie as well as any draining activities that might be proposed in the area. The southern sites, in protected areas, still appear suitable but the water level reduction is a concern. Salamanders do cross the roads when migrating to and from the breeding areas so, although very few cars presently are on Pelee Island during the salamanders’ breeding season, traffic through those areas at night in March and April has potential for serious negative consequences.

Page details

Date modified: