eastern fox snake habitat

Recovery strategy series comm. You can easily provide sufficient shelter using an old piece of plywood, an old stump or a piece of metal roofing panel. Parks Canada Agency. Prepared for Parks Canada Agency, Point Pelee National Park, Leamington, Ontario. Without safe and productive nesting habitat, populations are unlikely to persist. It is recommended that any vegetation patch or specific feature that is known to provide habitat for Eastern Foxsnakes, from existing information or through future evaluation, be prescribed as habitat in a habitat regulation. M.Sc. If there are multiple known or suspected entrances/exits, then the identified area should be generated accordingly. Watson (Barrett), C.M. Lawrence). There is one cluster of 5 UTM grid squares located along the northeastern shore of Georgian Bay. In order to alleviate threats, government agencies, land resource managers, municipal planners, land developers, landowners and the public should become much more aware of and take into consideration the species’ ecological requirements. January 2004. Non-naturally occurring features (e.g., compost piles, old wells, scrap metal piles) have been included in the identification of critical habitat for the Carolinian population of the Eastern Foxsnake to support the species’ recovery. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has led the development of this recovery strategy for the Eastern Foxsnake (Carolinian and Georgian Bay populations) in accordance with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA 2007). Although the availability of habitat in eastern Georgian Bay has not declined to the same degree as in the Carolinian population, increasing development and recreational land use in this region is almost certainly resulting in a reduction of suitable habitat (COSEWIC 2008). However, COSEWIC (2008) notes that there is no current estimate of mature individuals for the Canadian population. These trends were consistent across three spatial scales: (1) locations within the active-range; (2) active-range within the study area; and (3) across a large regional population. Due to deforestation and shoreline development, many Eastern Foxsnakes across southwestern Ontario are unlikely to have access to natural nest sites. University of Guelph researcher. 2009). For example, SFD is thought to have contributed to a 50% decline in Timber Rattlesnake abundance in New Hampshire from 2006 to 2007 (Sleeman 2013). Snell E.A. Destruction may result from a single activity or multiple activities at one point in time or from the cumulative effects of one or more activities over time. The impacts of pesticide contamination at Point Pelee National Park should be determined. Lawrence population). With these two Canadian populations making up approximately 70% of the global population (COSEWIC 2008), the Eastern Foxsnake is ranked globally as Vulnerable/taxon not yet ranked (G3TNR; NatureServe 2014Footnote 8). However, Eastern Foxsnakes are found in small patches of suitable habitat on private and municipal land (e.g., old fields, sewage lagoons, riparian habitat along drainage ditches, small creeks and roadside drainages where there are patches of relatively undisturbed grasses). By contrast, sensitive land-use management and restrained land development may be sufficient to maintain large tracts of quality habitat and healthy, interacting populations along Georgian Bay. Herb Gray Parkway is a major highway infrastructure project that will form part of the transportation corridor connecting Highway 401 in Ontario to Interstate 75 in Michigan. The effect of subsidized (e.g., raccoons, cats) and hyperabundant (e.g., wild turkeys) predators on Eastern Foxsnake populations is unknown but may be a significant threat. and P.J. 52 pp. 2005. 2012a. The government's goal for the recovery of the Eastern Foxsnake is to ensure the persistence of the species and to maintain the current range of occupancy and connectivity of its habitat within both the Carolinian and Georgian Bay populations. comm. Lawrence population) as they are critical for over winter survival. These movement corridors are critical to the survival of the species. Species at Risk Biologist, Parry Sound District MNR. The map is overlain by 50 x 50km standardized UTM grid squares which contain critical habitat for the Eastern Foxsnake (Carolinian population) in Canada. Removal or alteration of these sites would result in loss of habitat features critical for overwintering and the future survival of the population. Actual critical habitat within this area occurs only in those areas described in subsections 2 and 3 of the provincial habitat regulation for Eastern Foxsnake (Carolinian population), and therefore the actual area would likely be less than reported and would require field verification to develop a more precise estimate. Rouse pers. 141 pp. It is believed that the greatest threat to Eastern Foxsnakes in the Georgian Bay population are new or upgraded roads within one kilometre from the shoreline of eastern Georgian Bay because they increase both habitat fragmentation and vehicle caused mortality. The Ministry can also advise if any authorizations under the ESA may be required to undertake the project. ; food handouts, garbage, crops). Brooks, R.J. 2004. Personal communications with J. Kamstra. Natural predators of Eastern Foxsnake include large birds of prey such as Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) and carnivorous mammals (e.g., raccoon (Procyon lotor), skunk (Mephitis mephitis), fisher (Martes pennanti) and mink (Mustela vison) (COSEWIC, 2008). A melanistic Elaphe vulpina from Ohio. in press). More detailed information on critical habitat to support protection of the species and its habitat may be requested on a need-to-know basis by contacting Environment and Climate Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service at ec.planificationduretablissement‑recoveryplanning.ec@canada.ca. For instance, it can be difficult to attain landowner permission for accessing private property in this area. The disease can spread directly through contact with infected snakes and may also spread indirectly via environmental exposure (i.e., contaminated soil (Sleeman 2013; Allender et al. Loss of emergent wetlands has been the primary reason for the decline of these snakes. Also, immediately upon listing, the habitats of endangered and threatened species are protected from damage or destruction. Porchuk, B.D. COSEWIC Status: Endangered 2009), the amount of suitable habitat available to the population has been drastically reduced and fragmented. Such structures and features include limestone bedrock fissures, small animal burrows (naturally occurring features), bases of utility poles, canals, wells, cisterns, building foundations, septic tiles (non‑naturally occurring features, Presence of natural composting-type sites with high humidity to prevent eggs from drying out and protected from predators such as rotting cavities of downed trees (e.g., Eastern Cottonwood (, Sites are typically found in old field (semi-maintained grass and fields), natural and restored prairie savannah, marsh (wetland), dune-shoreline, and other similar habitats, Features that provide opportunities for sun and shade exposure such as brush piles, juniper bushes, table rocks, tree stumps, root systems of downed trees, driftwood (naturally occurring features), and non-naturally occurring features (including wooden planks, abandoned vehicles, asphalt, and masonry), Sites are typically found in open or semi-open habitats such as marsh (wetlands), prairie, savannah, hedge row, shoreline, old field, forest, sand dunes and dune-slough complexes, and other similar habitats, Areas that allow for movement between hibernation, oviposition, foraging and thermoregulation locations, The geographic areas of Parry Sound and Sudbury, The part of the geographic area of Muskoka composed of the lower-tier municipality of Georgian Bay, The parts of the geographic area of Simcoe composed of the lower-tier municipalities of Midland, Penetanguishene, Severn, Tay and Tiny. Threat mitigation and/or maintaining or increasing suitable habitat where the Eastern Foxsnake (Carolinian and Georgian Bay populations) occurs (including connecting habitats within the populations) will be key to ensuring the long-term population persistence of the Eastern Foxsnake in Canada. Reason for Designation: In this region, the species swims long distances often in cold, rough open water where it is subject to mortality due to increasing boat traffic. In addition to the strategy, the response statement is based on input from stakeholders, other jurisdictions, Aboriginal communities and members of the public. The habitat regulation identifies the geographic area within which the habitat for the species is prescribed and the regulation may apply, and explains how the boundaries of regulated habitat are determined (based on biophysical and other attributes). A number of other human activities result in unintentional mortality of Eastern Foxsnakes. comm. They are excellent arboreal predators, foraging for bird eggs and nestlings. Small isolated populations have an increased extirpation risk (Saccheri et al. Under the ESA, 2007, a recovery strategy provides the best available scientific knowledge onwhat is required to achieve recovery of a species. O. Reg. The alteration of water levels at/near hibernacula would result in changes to temperature and humidity, both of which are critical for overwintering survival of Eastern Ratsnake. Rouse pers. It may be possible to replace the function served by non‑natural structures should they need to be removed after the active season. 2010. A species facing imminent extinction or extirpation in Ontario which is a candidate for regulation under Ontario's ESA 2007. Although there are available techniques to reduce road mortality, it is unknown if they will be successful at mitigating this threat (Eastern Foxsnake Recovery Team 2010). Radio-telemetry studies in Georgian Bay (Georgian Bay Islands National Park and Killbear Provinicial Park) and the Carolinian region (Point Pelee National Park and Hillman Marsh Conservation Area) have documented habitat use and movement patterns for individuals. Habitat Protection Summary for the Eastern Foxsnake (Georgian Bay population). For example, studies at Long Point (Provincial Park and National Wildlife Area) and/or Rondeau Provincial Park have the potential to provide spatial data that would best represent “sand-spit” populations, whereas radio-telemetry studies conducted further inland would provide better inference to sites with similar landscape characteristics (e.g., agricultural land bordered by hedgerows). Habitat Protection Summary for Eastern Foxsnake (Carolinian population) Ministry of Natural Resources. Some Eastern Foxsnakes are collected for pets since they are impressive, attractive, docile and rare. In Killbear Provincial Park, two out of nine radio-telemetered Eastern Foxsnakes were killed on roads in 2003 (Lawson 2003). Thesis, University of Windsor, Ontario. Additionally, as Eastern Foxsnakes are at the northern extent of their range in Ontario, thermoregulation is particularly important and basking sites are often used prior to or following oviposition. None of the transmitter-equipped snakes moved large distances in a telemetry study of the population – the only snake tracked for the entire season had a range length of 949 m, which is more similar to Carolinian population range lengths than those elsewhere in the Great Lakes/St. It is estimated that male and female Eastern Foxsnakes in Georgian Bay reach maturity at 5.15 years and 3.61 years respectively, and reach a maximum age of approximately 12 to 15 years (Row and Lougheed, 2006). 2015)). Row, J.R., G. Blouin-Demers, and S.C. Lougheed. The process to transform the recovery strategy into the Ontario template was undertaken by Shavonne Meyer, Rhonda Donley and present co-chair Jeremy Rouse. comm. Personal communications with J. Kamstra. Canadian Occurrence: Ontario Broad strategies and general approaches to meet objectives, 10. 2009. Toner. 2015). Cette publication hautement spécialisée Recovery strategies prepared under the Endangered Species Act, 2007, n’est disponible qu’en Anglais en vertu du Règlement 411/97 qui en exempte l’application de la Loi sur les services en français. George Mason University Press. Pantherophis gloydi, commonly known as the eastern foxsnake or eastern fox snake, is a species of rat snake in the family Colubridae. 1. comm. In a number of cases, multiple Eastern Foxsnakes were found strangled in this type of material (M. Gartshore pers. Georgian Bay population: In the range of the Georgian Bay population, it is recommended that all potential oviposition structures in appropriate habitat within 100 metres of the high-water mark (or in the exception area in Port Severn) should be prescribed as habitat in a habitat regulation for the duration of the structure’s natural life: for geological formations that are structurally stable rock-based sites that is indefinitely, while for sites that naturally decompose (e.g., large rotting trees) the duration would be less. The recommendation provided below by the recovery team will be one of many sources considered by the Minister when developing the habitat regulation for this species. 2004) and Point Pelee National Park (T. Linke pers. Conant, R. and J.T. comm. This is an emerging disease in wild snakes that causes severe skin lesions, leading to widespread morbidity and mortality (Sleeman 2013; Allender et al. comm. For the Georgian Bay population the water between the shoreline and the outer islands and all lands and islands within one kilometre from the high-water mark should be prescribed as habitat with the exception of urban areas where the buffer should be reduced to 100 metres. Herpetological Review 26:148. Personal communications with A. Lawson. Lawrence population) – Endangered (March 17, 2010), Conservation status rank: comm. O. Reg. From a protection perspective, identifying hibernacula is a challenge that is best accomplished by labour-intensive radio-telemetry studies. Pratt, P. 2004. Thesis, Univeristy of Guelph. The size and condition of logs and root wads preferred as nesting sites need to be determined. Critical habitat for Eastern Foxsnake (Carolinian population) is partially identified in this Recovery Strategy, and is considered insufficient to meet the population and distribution objective for this population. In general, protecting the habitat of the Eastern Foxsnake in Canada will benefit other species and ecosystem functions within the heavily altered Carolinian Zone and along the coast of Georgian Bay. Lawrence population, in Canada. Because of their reddish head, Eastern Foxsnakes are If a local population is found, determine the extent of biophysical attributes present. MacKinnon, C.A. 2004). MacKinnon (2003) reported that 2 of 13 transmitter-equipped Eastern Foxsnake deaths resulted from interactions with non-passenger vehicles off the roadways (forklift and ditch mower). Critical habitat will be revisited as additional information on the success of this restoration project becomes available. The thermal ecology of gravidity in the Eastern Fox Snake (Elaphe gloydi). Presumably there is a critical minimum amount of wetland and habitat linkage, beyond which the Eastern Foxsnakes will not survive. 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Small global range and consequently has been given a conservation Status rank vulnerable. Nest sites and to cottage associations these biophysical attributes are described below ( 1...

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