UBC researchers say some of the most threatened species of amphibians were moved in B.C. for construction without anyone checking whether they survived relocation.
Article content
Researchers at the University of B.C. say millions of amphibians and reptiles, including threatened species, are being moved to make way for development in the province but with no monitoring requirement to ensure they survive.
Article content
The UBC study, published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, found more than five million frogs and salamanders from 28 species were moved in B.C. due to construction from 2019 to 2022.
Article content
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
The study is the first of its kind to track the large-scale movement of amphibians and reptiles for infrastructure projects like pipelines, culverts, and other development, according to UBC.
Article content
Sunrise
Article content
The researchers say the practice, known as mitigation translocation, has become routine, but there are no regulations when it comes to checking on whether some of the most threatened species survived the move.
Article content
Article content
The Western Toad, for example, which the researchers found was the top B.C. amphibian to be moved because of construction, is considered a threatened species across North America. In B.C., it’s considered a blue-listed species, meaning it is of conservation concern, while in the Northwest Territories it is listed as threatened.
Article content
The study says that despite growing global concerns about their effectiveness in offsetting development impacts, mitigation translocations have gained popularity.
Article content
Before breaking ground, developers must obtain a provincial permit and move amphibians and reptiles off-site, but it ends there.
Article content
The study says translocation efforts often fail because of poor release-site quality, inadequate habitat connectivity or habitat to support all life stages, overcrowding, and increased competition because of the release of animals into an existing population.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
The physiological stress of capture and relocation can also contribute to illness or mortality, the study says.
Article content
Article content
“With no legal requirement to monitor outcomes, we have limited evidence whether these efforts work,” said Megan Winand, lead author and recent UBC master of science graduate.
Article content
The authors call for habitat avoidance as the first line of protection, such as rerouting infrastructure or redesigning crossings to prevent impact.
Article content
According to the study, amphibians and reptiles are important contributors to ecosystems because they control insect populations and serve as prey for birds, mammals and fish.
Article content
“Translocation should be a last resort — something you do when avoidance isn’t possible,” said senior author Tara Martin, a professor and Liber Ero Chair in UBC’s faculty of forestry and environmental stewardship, in a statement released by UBC.
Article content
“Instead, it’s become routine. We are making consequential choices for millions of animals without knowing whether they survive.”
Article content
Postmedia has reached out to the B.C. government for more information on why developers are not required to track whether these threatened species survive relocation.
Article content
More to come…
Article content
