Jefferson Salamander

Helping Endangered Jefferson Salamanders Cross the Road

March 30, 2022

David Lawrie, Research Scientist, for the Ecosystem and Climate Science talked to CityTV News yesterday about the temporary closing of Stouffville Road to protect endangered Jefferson Salamanders during their spring migration.

WATCH INTERVIEW:

Jefferson Salamanders travel back and forth, each spring and fall, between the deciduous forests where they overwinter and the wetlands where they breed. This journey can be perilous when the migration route involves crossing roads.

Travellers can expect intermittent closures of Stouffville Road, between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street, Friday, March 25, 2022 to Sunday, April 10, 2022 during the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Signs will be posted to guide motorists and local access will be maintained.

Dave has also been in the field this week tagging salamanders to identify their path from overwintering forest to breeding ponds.

This tagging is part of a two-year field monitoring and research project designed to provide a better understanding of the range of movement and habitat needs of Jefferson Salamanders within York Region.

The goal is to use the information collected from this project to prevent further loss or degradation of the salamander’s habitat and enable the implementation of mitigation measures where needed.

Learn more about this project: https://trca.ca/conservation/environmental-monitoring/searching-for-salamanders/