Reptilia x TRCA Partner to Protect Native Reptiles & Amphibians
Reptilia has partnered with the TRCA (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority)!
Southern Ontario is home to the highest diversity of native reptiles and amphibians in the country. However, nearly every species has an at-risk status despite being protected by government regulations. In part due to losing huge areas of natural habitat like the historic wetlands, now covered by the GTA. The GTA is a rapidly expanding urban area, which continues to advance and disturb the habitat of native species. Certain spaces like our study site are protected, but will soon become separated from natural spaces as the GTA grows.
Reptilia plans to document this space over many years. We begin by documenting the current species and abundance while the area is relatively undisturbed. Then tracking and recording the changes as development advances. Reptiles and amphibians tend to have much smaller home areas than mammals, yet they still make use of overwintering sites that may be a great distance from breeding and feeding grounds in the active season. Therefore, the long-term impact of urbanization and habitat segregation on our native reptiles and amphibians interests us.
What is the TRCA?
With more than 60 years of experience, TRCA (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. Working with municipalities and other partners to look after the watersheds of the Toronto region and its Lake Ontario waterfront, we help people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City®, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature’s beauty and diversity.
What does the TRCA do?
- Take care of nine watersheds and the Lake Ontario shoreline, in partnership with municipalities, the Province and other stakeholders in the communities we serve.
- Work to preserve and protect the land, improve wildlife and plant habitats.
- Encourage people of all ages to get out and enjoy nature for optimal health and well-being.
- Monitor and report on the health of Toronto’s environment
- Provide input and expertise on water management, resource conservation, natural heritage and cultural heritage.
- Run programs that teach a greater appreciation of the environment and ways to adopt sustainable technologies
- Reduce human impact on natural resources while acquiring, protecting and restoring conservation lands to further watershed and resource management
TRCA Guiding Principles
Collaboration: TRCA works with its many partners and seeks out new opportunities to carry out initiatives, knowing we are stronger together. To that end, we enthusiastically engage in partnerships with municipalities, organizations, and individuals.
Evidence-Based Initiatives: The TRCA’s work is directed by scientifically proven needs. Whether it’s a restoration project or environmental monitoring, we follow protocols defined and guided by research and evidence.
On-the-Ground Work: Whether it’s an aquatic habitat restoration project, water sampling in our nine watersheds or electrofishing on Lake Ontario, TRCA staff are the people knee-deep in their work. They’re on the ground or in the water carrying out the important work of conservation to protect and preserve our natural world.
Why It Matters
With the help of our partners, TRCA is creating a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live — for you today, and for your children tomorrow. Together, we aim to improve the health of the natural environment and create opportunities for a sustainable future. By doing so, we ensure we live in harmony with nature and are a healthier society as a whole.
How can you help?
You can help support our ongoing research by donating financially to Reptilia’s Education and Conservation Fund. Your donations will go towards helping native Canadian reptile and amphibian species keep their homes. Our research helps us fight over-urbanization of protected areas and its surrounding by demonstrating the real-life consequences of losing those areas.
If you want to support please contact the Reptilia Education and Conservation Fund by e-mail: [email protected]