Download Species at Risk Inventory – CFB Borden

Species at Risk Inventory
Canadian Forces Base Borden
Common Whip-poor-will, COSEWIC candidate species
Natural Heritage Information Centre
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
W.D. Bakowsky, M.J. Oldham, C.D. Jones, D.A.
Sutherland
March 31, 2008
Species at Risk Inventory – CFB Borden
Acknowledgements
Bill Huff provided logistical support throughout the course of the study, including
introductory tours of the base, assistance in the field (both personal or Natural
Resources staff), and securing permissions for potentially restricted areas.
Natural Resources staff (Jason Martin, Crystal Brox, Becky Mullin) provided field
assistance during the course of the study, and also made independent
discoveries of Species at Risk on the base during the 2007 field season.
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements................................................................................................ i
Executive Summary .............................................................................................. 1
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1
Physiography and Vegetation Overview ............................................................... 2
Methods ................................................................................................................ 2
Results.................................................................................................................. 4
Discussion
SAR Species Ecology, Habitat, and Management ..................................... 5
Blanding’s Turtle (Threatened) ........................................................ 5
Milksnake (Special Concern)........................................................... 7
Common Nighthawk (Threatened)................................................... 8
Chimney Swift (Threatened)............................................................ 9
Mottled Duskywing (Candidate)..................................................... 11
Whip-poor-will (Candidate) ............................................................ 13
SAR Species Not Found During Study
Insects ........................................................................................... 14
Reptiles, Turtles, Snakes and Amphibians .................................... 15
Birds .............................................................................................. 17
Plants ............................................................................................ 18
References ......................................................................................................... 19
Appendix I SAR and provincially rare species on or near CFB Borden............... 22
Appendix II SAR and COSEWIC high-priority species potentially occurring on
CFB Borden ........................................................................................................ 23
Appendix III Proposed field schedule for surveys of SAR and high priority
candidate COSEWIC species at CFB Borden, 2007 field season ...................... 24
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Tables
Table 1. Species at Risk and candidate Species at Risk located on CFB
Borden……………………………………………………………………………………4
Figures
Figure 1. Species at Risk and candidate Species at Risk
located on CFB Borden………………………………………………………………..5
Figure 2. Blanding’s Turtle, nesting in old borrow pit on CFB Borden……………7
Figure 3. Common Milksnake, found under board in old borrow
pit, 6 m NW of Paintball Range, CFB Borden……………………………………….8
Figure 4. Mottled Duskywing…………………………………………………………11
Figure 5. New Jersey Tea in flower………………………………………………….12
Figure 6. Open habitat with scattered New Jersey Tea shrubs in flower………..12
Figure 7. Locations of main populations of New Jersey Tea, host
plant for Mottled Duskywing…………………………………………………………..13
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Executive Summary
Species at Risk surveys were conducted at CFB Borden by biologists from the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Information Centre,
during the 2007 field season. Four Species at Risk were discovered: Blanding`s
Turtle, Common Milksnake, Common Nighthawk and Chimney Swift. Two
candidate species, to be reviewed shortly by the Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), were also discovered: Mottled
Duskywing, and Common Whip-poor-will. CFB Borden Base Natural Resources
staff assisted with the surveys, and were responsible for discovering Blanding’s
Turtle on the base, and also confirmed one of the Common Milksnake
occurrences. A number of provincially rare plant species were also discovered.
This report summarizes the results of these surveys, provides maps identifying
the locations of SAR on the base, and discusses their ecology, habitat, and
management. Additionally, a number of SAR species which potentially may have
occurred on the base, are discussed, with reasons why they were not detected
during the fieldwork.
A database in shapefile format, which is used in the Geographic Information
Systems software Arcmap, was created and provided to the base Natural
Resources section.
Introduction
The federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) was passed in December 2002 and
came into full effect in June 2004. The purpose of this act is to:
•
•
•
prevent endangered or threatened species from becoming extinct or
extirpated;
help in the recovery of endangered, threatened and extirpated species;
manage species of special concern to help prevent them from becoming
endangered or threatened
The Department of National Defence has responsibilities under SARA, toward
the protection and recovery of listed species found in areas under their
administration, including armed forces bases.
In order to address these responsibilities, CFB Borden commissioned the Natural
Heritage Information Centre, a unit within the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources, to conduct an inventory to identify and map COSEWIC Species at
Risk (SAR) occurrences on the base, as well as provincially rare species (as they
may be listed by COSEWIC in the future).
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This information will prove to be a valuable tool for managing and operating the
base, through informed decision-making in day-to-day operations, construction
projects, manoeuvres and other activities.
Physiography and Vegetation Overview
CFB Borden is located approximately 20 km southwest of Barrie, Ontario. It is
located on the Lake Simcoe Lowlands physiographic region of Chapman and
Putnam (1984). This region consists of extensive plains, draining into
Nottawasaga Bay on Lake Huron, via the Nottawasaga drainage basin. Within
this region, Borden occupies the aptly-named Camp Borden Sand Plain unit of
the Lowlands. Here, the substrate consists of loose, coarse-textured soils, which
have been classified as Tioga sand and sandy-loam. The soils are poor and
droughty, and have never been suitable for sustained agriculture.
The landscape of the base consists of flat to gently rolling plains. The Mad and
Pine Rivers have incised valleys through the sand plain, providing some
topographic relief. There are also a number of low-lying wetlands, mostly in the
southeastern section, but also along the western perimeter to the north of Lisle
townsite, and along an old former oxbow of the Mad River at the north end of the
base.
The base is largely forested, with mixed Red Oak (Quercus rubra) – White Pine
(Pinus strobus) upland forests, many with plantation origin. There are two
extremely large open field areas in the southcentral portion of the base,
dominated by Hard Fescue (Festuca trachyphylla), as well as smaller areas of
open fields. Some areas of open marsh are present in the southeastern part of
the base, dominated by Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea), as well as
sections of Red Maple swamp.
Methods
Prior to the commencement of fieldwork, a list of SAR and provincially rare
species occurring within CFB Borden, or within 1 km of the base was compiled,
through a GIS query of the NHIC conservation database of rare species in
Ontario (Appendix 1). Additionally, a list of potential SAR species which may
occur on CFB Borden was also compiled. The list was compiled through expert
opinion within NHIC, on the basis of SAR geographic range, and knowledge of
suitable habitat on the base which may potentially support their ecological
requirements (Appendix 2).
Fieldwork began in the spring of 2007, and extended throughout the field season
into September. NHIC investigators included the following individuals:
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Wasyl D. Bakowsky, Community Ecologist
Sam Brinker, Project Botanist
Colin Jones, Project Zoologist
Michael J. Oldham, Botanist\Herpetologist
CFB Borden Natural Resources staff accompanied NHIC staff on all visits,
including:
Bill Huff
Jason Martin
Crystal Brox
Becky Mullin
Survey dates and focussed activities are as follow. Note that during all surveys,
attention was given to all species and habitats encountered during the day, with
the intent of discovering any SAR or provincially rare species occurrences.
May 7, 2007 – Salamander surveys in forest vernal pools, and American Ginseng
surveys in deciduous forests.
May 17, 2007 – Surveyed the forest pools on the southeastern side of the base
for salamanders.
May 18, 2007 – Survey along Lisle Creek for Louisiana Waterthrush, Survey of
airport field for Henslow’s Sparrow. Walked the banks of the Pine River for Wood
Turtle survey.
May 28, 2007 – Conducted a nocturnal survey for Common Nighthawk and
Whip-poor-will and other birds of open habitats, walked the banks of the Mad
River for Wood Turtle, surveyed open areas for Mottled Duskywing.
May 29, 2007 – Surveyed fields at the north end of the airport for Henslow’s
Sparrows, walked the shoreline of the Mad River for Wood Turtle, surveyed open
areas for Mottled Duskywing.
June 12 - Surveyed open areas throughout the base for Mottled Duskywing,
Hognose Snake, Five-lined Skink, Forked Three-awn Grass, and other SAR
species of open habitats.
June 13 - Surveyed open areas throughout the base for Mottled Duskywing,
Hognose Snake, Five-lined Skink, Forked Three-awn Grass, and other SAR
species of open habitats.
August 28 – Surveyed open areas throughout the base for Five-lined Skink,
Hognose Snake, Forked Three-awn Grass, and other SAR species of open
habitats.
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Results
Both Species at Risk and COSEWIC candidate species located on the base are
presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Species at Risk and candidate Species at Risk located on CFB Borden.
Common Name
Scientific Name
Species Group
COSEWIC Status
Monarch
Blanding's Turtle
Common Milksnake
Common Nighthawk
Chimney Swift
Danaus plexipus
Emydoidea blandingi
Lampropeltis triangulum
Chordeiles minor
Chaetura pelagica
butterfly
turtle
snake
bird
bird
Special Concern
Threatened
Special Concern
Threatened
Threatened
Mottled Duskywing
Whip-poor-will
Erynnis martialis
Caprimulgus vociferus
butterfly
bird
candidate for review
candidate for review
Three species designated as Threatened by COSEWIC were recorded from the
base, Blanding’s Turtle, Common Nighthawk, and Chimney Swift. Common
Milksnake, a species designated as Special Concern, and not covered under
SARA, was also found on the base, as was Monarch (butterfly). Additionally, two
candidate species, Mottled Duskywing and Whip-poor-will, are also present. The
locations of these species are presented in Figure 1.
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Figure 1. Species at Risk and candidate Species at Risk located on CFB Borden.
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Discussion - SAR Species Ecology, Habitat, and Management
Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), Threatened
Blanding’s Turtle was discovered nesting at CFB Borden by Natural Resource
Section staff, in an abandoned borrow pit on the north side of the dirt road just
east of Gate P19. There is a wetland and pond complex a few hundred metres to
the east, to the south of the dirt road, this is presumably the principal habitat for
this turtle species on the base. Additional turtle nests, with eggshells, were
located beside the paintball gun clubhouse a few hundred metres to the
southeast, in open sandy areas. It may be prudent to restrict access and traffic in
these areas during the nesting season to avoid disturbance to the nests, as well
as roadkill through vehicular movements.
Blanding’s Turtle is a medium-sized (up to 27 cm carapace length) freshwater
turtle which inhabits lakes, permanent and temporary ponds, streams, and
wetlands. Adults can be distinguished from other Canadian turtles by their highly
domed gray or black carapace with scattered tan to yellow spots or flecks and
bright, lemon-yellow throat.
Globally this turtle has a relatively restricted distribution being found in parts of 14
U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. An isolated population in southern
Nova Scotia was listed as Endangered by COSEWIC in 2005 and the Great
Lakes – St. Lawrence population occurring in southern Ontario and Quebec was
listed as Threatened by COSEWIC in 2005. Both Canadian populations are
listed under Schedule 1 of the Species At Risk Act (SARA).
Like many turtle species, Blanding’s Turtles are long-lived and can survive more
than 75 years in the wild. Maturation in Canadian populations may be as late as
25 years. Blanding’s Turtles are vulnerable to wetland loss and degradation,
road mortality, and nest predation by mammalian predators such as raccoons,
skunks, foxes, and coyotes. This attractive, semi-terrestrial turtle is also highly
prized in the pet trade and illegal collecting is another threat.
Blanding’s Turtles occur primarily in shallow waters often with aquatic
vegetation. They commonly bask on rocks, logs, beaver lodges and open
shorelines. Individual Blanding’s Turtles may use several connected waterbodies
and wetlands and travel 6 to 7 km during the active season. Female turtles leave
the water to nest, generally during the month of June, and can travel up to 3 km
to find suitable nesting sites. Blanding’s Turtles nest in a variety of loose
substrates including sand, organic soil, gravel and cobblestones.
Females often nest on sandy or gravely road shoulders making them and the
emerging hatchlings vulnerable to road mortality. A maximum of one clutch per
year is produced of 3 to 19 eggs. Like some other turtles, Blanding’s Turtles
exhibit temperature dependent sex determination with eggs incubated at or
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below 280 C producing males and eggs incubated above 290 C producing
females. Hatchlings emerge in late September or early October. Blanding’s
Turtles overwinter in permanent pools that average about 1 m in depth, or in
slow-flowing streams.
Figure 2. Blanding’s Turtle, nesting in old borrow pit on CFB Borden.
Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum), Threatened
Common Milksnake was found at two separate locations on the base. The first
discovery was under a piece of plywood along the edge of an abandoned borrow
pit, the same pit utilized as a nesting site by Blanding’s Turtle. It was also
discovered later in the summer by CFB Borden Natural Resources staff in the
vicinity of the sewage treatment plant, located near the northeastern corner of the
base.
The Milksnake is a medium-sized (adults typically measure 60-90 cm although
they can grow to 132 cm) blotched terrestrial snake. Milksnakes have large
brown or reddish dorsal blotches with black edges on a light gray or tan
background. Young individuals are brightly coloured and the pattern fades as the
snake ages. The Milksnake can be distinguished from other blotched Canadian
snake species by its smooth scales, entire (undivided) anal plate, relatively small
head only slightly wider than the neck, and usually a light Y or V-shaped marking
on the back of the head.
This species has a large geographic range and occurs from southern Ontario and
Quebec south to northern South America. In Ontario it is widespread south of
about Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. Milksnakes occur in a wide variety of
terrestrial habitats, both forested and non-forested and require suitable cover for
egg laying, hibernation and thermoregulation. They are usually absent from
highly urbanized areas and regions with intensive agriculture but can be locally
common in rural and low-intensity agricultural areas where they frequent
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pastures, hayfields, barns, and sheds. Milksnakes feed primarily on small
mammals, but will also eat a variety of other vertebrate and invertebrate prey.
The Milksnake was listed as Threatened in Canada by COSEWIC in 2002 and is
included in Schedule 1 of the federal Species At Risk Act (SARA). It was listed
because it is thought to occur in small numbers, is subject to high levels of road
mortality and is still deliberately killed because of its resemblance to venomous
species.
Milksnakes mate in spring following emergence from underground hibernacula.
In early summer females lay 8 to 11 eggs, sometimes communally, in rotting
logs, sand, compost, under boards or other suitable cover. Hatchlings generally
emerge in August and September. Sexual maturity is reached at approximately
3 to 4 years of age and captives have lived more than 21 years. Despite its
widespread distribution in southern Ontario and Quebec this species has been
little-studied in Canada and its biology here is poorly known.
Figure 3. Common Milksnake, found under board in old borrow pit, 6 m NW of
Paintball Range, CFB Borden.
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), Threatened
Nocturnal surveys for Common Nighthawk conducted on 28 May 2007 confirm
the presence of the species at CFB Borden. The road-based survey was
conducted between 2115 h and 2315 h along sand roads on the southwest side
of the base, as well as along the road between the Pine and Mad rivers from
Lisle to CFAD. Two calling males were detected at one (5%) of the 21 survey
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points near the north end of the base; and a single individual was observed in
flight near the south end of the base on the morning of 29 May 2007 (Figure 1).
Common Nighthawk probably occurs elsewhere on the base in open or semiopen areas offering suitable exposed sand and/or sand-lichen-heath nesting
habitat. It is possible that the species may also be nesting on flat, tar-gravel
roofed buildings on the base or in adjacent Angus.
The Common Nighthawk is an aerial-foraging insectivorous active primarily at
dawn and dusk, when it can be seen and heard flying high over the surrounding
landscape. Its nasal ‘peer’ call, uttered in flight, is distinctive. Like the Whip-poorwill, by day, the cryptically-coloured adults roost inconspicuously on the ground
or, more commonly, on the horizontal limb of a tree. It is a ground-nesting
species, laying its two eggs in a slight depression in natural openings, burns or
clearcuts in forests or woodlands, in sand and rock barrens, and in facsimile
habitats associated with human habitations, such as flat gravel roofs or gravel
parking areas.
It has an extensive breeding range extending from Central America to subarctic
areas of North America. In Ontario, it breeds extensively from the shores of the
Great Lakes north to the limit of trees but, like the Whip-poor-will, is most
common in the lands fringing Georgian Bay.
Described as widespread and common in the province historically, the nighthawk
has been in decline since the 1970s. Trend data from breeding bird atlases, the
breeding bird survey and migration monitoring all indicate a steep decline in the
abundance of this species in Ontario, particularly for the period 1981-to-present
(Cadman 2007a). Due to declines observed in Ontario and elsewhere in the
Canadian portion of its range, the Common Nighthawk was listed as Threatened
by COSEWIC in 2007.
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), Threatened
Chimney Swifts were observed at CFB Borden, flying in the vicinity of the
watertower near Gate 19 (Figure 1). Chimneys judged to be suitable for nesting
and roosting exist on the base, although these swifts may have also been nesting
in chimneys within the Angus town limits. The existing forest on the base is
probably too young to support tree stems with diameters sufficient to
accommodate nesting or roosting swifts, however.
The Chimney Swift is an aerial-foraging insectivorous bird. It is a diurnal forager,
easily heard and observed in flight uttering its high-pitched twittering calls during
daylight hours. Its narrow-winged flight profile, rapid, stiff wingbeats and calls are
all distinctive.
The Chimney Swift utilizes either natural or anthropogenic chimneys, vacant or
derelict buildings for roosting and breeding. Prior to European settlement, the
hollow trunks of mature, senescent trees or other tree cavities were used, but
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with the reduction in older-growth forests and suitable tree stems, anthropogenic
sites are now used almost exclusively. During migration, prior to and postnesting, the species seeks shelter in chimneys supporting one to many hundreds
of indivuals. During the breeding season, however, only a single nesting pair of
swifts occupies a chimney. Nests comprised of small twigs and saliva are ‘glued’
to the walls of chimneys (or the walls of abandoned buildings). Clutches are
comprised of one or two eggs. Most nesting pairs forage within 0.5 km of the nest
site, but some individuals may forage at distances of 3-6 km in areas with
productive foraging and attracting several to many pairs (Cadman 2007b).
The breeding range of the Chimney Swift is restricted to eastern North America,
extending north to the Maritimes and west through southern Québec, central
Ontario, and southern Manitoba to eastern Saskatchewan. In Ontario, its
breeding range is extensive, but the swift is more abundant around larger urban
centres in close proximity to the shores of the Great Lakes (Cadman 2007b).
As with many other aerial-foraging insectivorous bird species (i.e. swallows,
nighthawks), populations of the Chimney Swift have declined dramatically in
recent decades. Atlas and breeding bird survey data for Ontario both indicate
declines in Chimney Swift of nearly 60% since 1980. The reasons for this decline
are unknown, but corresponding declines in insect populations, and the quantity
of chimneys and other locations suitable for nesting and roosting are suspected.
The Chimney Swift was listed as Threatened by COSEWIC in 2007, due to
population declines observed in Ontario and elsewhere in the Canadian portion
of its range.
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Special Concern
Monarch Butterflies, which are listed as Special Concern by COSEWIC, were
observed on the base, but their locations were not recorded. Monarch Butterflies
are highly mobile butterflies, consequently, recording their location at a particular
point serves no purpose. They were listed as Special Concern by COSEWIC, not
because they are particularly rare in Ontario (they are not), but because of
human pressures on their winter nesting grounds in Mexico. They rest through
the winter on pine trees in a very restricted portion of the mountains of Michoaca
and Mexico states, which are being logged by the local populace contrary to
restrictions on this practice, and for this reason were identified as Special
Concern.
The butterfly is dependant on the Common Milkweed plant for it’s survival, the
larvae have to feed on the plant in order to mature and develop into adult
butterflies. Although milkweed is listed as a noxious weed by the province of
Ontario in the Ontario Weed Control Act, it is the policy of the Base Natural
Resources office not to treat this plant or otherwise attempt to control it's
occurrence.
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Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis), COSEWIC candidate for review
Mottled Duskywing (Figure 4) is a small dark skipper (butterfly) of sand and rock
barrens, open oak woodlands and savannahs in which its larval host, New Jersey
Tea (Ceanothus spp.)(Figure 5) grows. Although it is easily confused with other
duskywing species, the combination of strongly patterned, light and dark brown
mottling and contrasting dark brown or black bands and a lavender-purple sheen
to the upper surfaces of the wings is distinctive. It has a widespread but highly
discontinuous distribution throughout its range and is apparently absent from
many areas of otherwise suitable habitat. Moreover, it has declined throughout
much of the eastern portion of its North American range in recent decades due to
habitat degradation resulting from vegetation succession and recreational
development or the loss of its larval host plant through deer herbivory. It is now
regarded as globally rare and in Ontario is restricted to fewer than a dozen sites
at which it its presence has been documented recently. It is a candidate for listing
by COSEWIC (status report in preparation).
Mottled Duskywing was first detected at CFB Borden in 2004, when several
individuals were observed (one collected) on 9 June by NHIC and Borden
Natural Resources staff conducting a targeted survey for this species. In 2007,
directed searches of suitable habitat for Mottled Duskywing were conducted on
the base on 28-29 May and 12-13 June; however, only a single individual was
observed, at a new site near the southern perimeter of the open field on the east
side of Bear Creek (Figure 1). Given the extent of apparently suitable habitat
(Figure 6) and the local abundance of New Jersey Tea, the relative rarity of
Mottled Duskywing on the base is somewhat surprising.
Although 2007 may have been a poor year for the species, the apparent rarity
and highly localized distribution of Mottled Duskywing at CFB Borden is
consistent with the species’ distribution and abundance in Ontario and elsewhere
in its range.
Figure 4. Mottled Duskywing (photo courtesy of Jennifer Grealey)
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Figure 5. New Jersey Tea in flower.
Figure 6. Open habitat with scattered New Jersey Tea shrubs in flower.
To assist in any future surveys for this species, locations of the major populations
of the host plant New Jersey Tea were recorded. On CFB Borden, this species is
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most abundant in the open upland areas adjacent to both sides ofBear Creek,
the southern section of the large open fields between the Pine River and it’s
tributary, and the open sandy areas to the south of the airport (Figure 7.).
Figure 7. Locations of main populations of New Jersey Tea, host plant for Mottled
Duskywing.
Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus), COSEWIC candidate for review
Nocturnal surveys for Whip-poor-will conducted on 28 May 2007 indicate that the
species is common at CFB Borden. The road-based survey was conducted
between 2115 h and 2315 h along sand roads on the southwest side of the base,
as well as along the road between the Pine and Mad rivers from Lisle to CFAD.
As least one calling male was detected at 16 (76%) of the 21 survey points
(Figure 1) and in total 26 calling males were counted. Whip-poor-will likely occurs
elsewhere on the base in areas of open to semi-open successional and
woodland habitats (image of this species is on the report cover).
The Whip-poor-will is an aerial-foraging insectivorous bird. It is most conspicuous
at night when its distinctive call, an endless repetition of its name, is delivered
primarily at dusk and dawn, but often nightlong on bright moon-lit nights; it is
otherwise inconspicuous. Adults roost by day on the open leaf litter of forests or
on a stub or the horizontal limb of a tree. It is a species of open woodlands,
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savannahs, regenerating burns and other scrubby habitats, generally avoiding
open or heavily forested habitats. The two eggs are laid directly on exposed
mineral substrates or leaf litter and the incubating adult remains on the nest
throughout daylight hours and is extremely difficult to detect. It is a relatively
widespread breeding species in North America; in the east, its range extends
from the U.S. southeast, north to the Maritimes and westward through southern
Québec, Ontario and Manitoba to central Saskatchewan.
In Ontario, its breeding range extends from the shores of the lower Great Lakes
north to the southern limit of the Boreal Forest. It is most common in the
Georgian Bay Fringe, along the southern edge of the Precambrian Shield
between the eastern shore of Georgian Bay and the Ottawa Valley, as well as
the Bruce Peninsula, on several of the Lake Erie sandspits, and in the sandy
woodlands and barrens associated with the Oak Ridges moraine, and the
Petawawa and Camp Borden sandplains.
The Whip-poor-will has been exhibiting population declines rangewide since the
1950s. In Ontario, data from breeding bird atlases indicate that the Whip-poor-will
is among the most seriously declining species in the province. It was detected in
nearly 40% fewer squares in Ontario during the second Ontario Breeding Bird
Atlas (Cadman et al. 2007). Unlike other aerial foraging insectivorous bird
species, habitat loss through vegetation succession is the primary factor
suspected in the decline (Mills 2007). In view of these declines and those
observed elsewhere in its Canadian range, the Whip-poor-will is a candidate for
listing by COSEWIC (status report in preparation).
Discussion – SAR Species Not Found During Study
A number of SAR species were identified as potentially occurring on CFB Borden
(Appendix 3), on the basis that their geographic range intersected that of the
base, and potential habitat may be present. However, they were not discovered
during the field surveys. This section reviews these species, and indicates the
reason for their absence.
Insects
A number of rare insect species were identified as potentially occurring on CFB
Borden, such as Hackberry Emperor (a butterfly), and a number of dragonflies,
including Zebra Clubtail, Arrow Clubtail, and Laura’s Clubtail.
Hackberry Emperor is a butterfly whose larvae feed exclusively on Hackberry
(Celtis sp.) leaves. Hackberry is a tree found on calcareous soils, on shallow
soils over limestone bedrock, and floodplains. There are no areas of shallow soil
over limestone bedrock on the base, and no hackberries were found along the
floodplains of the Pine and Mad Rivers.
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Zebra Clubtail is a dragonfly of forest streams with intermittent rapids (Walker,
1958). The Pine and Mad rivers are suitable for this species and it has been
recorded on the Mad River just west of the base (Aug 7, 2001 – C.D. Jones and
D.A. Sutherland). Although no adults were seen in 2007, nor were any exuviae*
found along the river banks, this species likely occurs within the base.
Arrow Clubtail is a rare dragonfly found along large rivers with riffles (Walker,
1958). It occurs nearby, along the Nottawasaga River, and could potentially also
occur on either the Mad or Pine rivers, although neither river may be large
enough for this species. No adults were recorded in 2007, nor were any exuviae
collected but additional surveys may reveal the presence of this species within
the base.
Laura’s Clubtail is a very rare dragonfly that is only known from two rivers in
southwestern Ontario (Big Creek, Norfolk Co. and Big Otter Creek, Elgin Co.). It
is thought that the species could also occur along the Nottawasaga River and
was therefore also included as a potential species on both the Mad and Pine
rivers. No adults were recorded in 2007, however, nor were any exuviae
collected. Due to the great distance between the known sites in southwestern
Ontario and CFB Borden, it is not likely (but not impossible) that this species is
present.
* Exuviae are cast-off larval skins left behind after an adult emerges. Dragonfly
larvae emerge from the water onto streamside boulders, vegetation, bridge
abutments, etc. Their exoskeleton splits open and the adult emerges. These
exuviae are distinctive, enabling them to be identified to species.
Reptiles, Turtles, Snakes and Amphibians
A number of herpetofauna were identified prior to the study as potentially
occurring on the base, including Five-lined Skink, Wood Turtle, Spotted Turtle,
Stinkpot, Blanding’s Turtle, Jefferson Salamander, Eastern Hognosed Snake,
and Ribbonsnake.
There is a historical record of Five-lined Skink in the area (a collection housed at
the Ontario Royal Museum), is reported for “Tosorontio Township”. This species
was searched for repeatedly during the field season, primarily by turning over
logs, debris such as boards and sheet metal, etc., which they often use as cover.
It was noted that there wasn’t much of this type of cover on the base, it having
been cleaned up and removed over the years.
Suitable habitat (fields, open woods) exists on the base, and it is possible that
this species may be present but undetected on the base. In order to determine
more conclusively if this species is present on the base, base Natural Resources
staff have laid out groups of specifically designed cover boards in various areas
of the base with suitable habitat during the 2008 field season. These will be
15
regularly checked for the presence of skinks, as well as other animals which may
use them, such as snake species.
Wood Turtles are most easily detected in the spring, when they emerge from
stream bottoms where they have overwintered, and sun themselves along the
streambanks. Surveys along both the Pine and Mad Rivers during this period, on
sunny days, failed to detect Wood Turtles.
Spotted Turtles prefer shallow wetlands with soft bottoms, including bogs and
fens, marshes, woodland ponds and sloughs, wet coastal meadows, and
interdunal sloughs (Oldham, 1991). Wetland habitat on the base is limited, with a
few areas of swamp forest, a few ponds, and a marsh dominated by introduced
Reed Canary Grass. Most of these sites are unsuitable habitat, and no Spotted
Turtles were observed sunning themselves during spring surveys in the more
suitable wetlands.
Stinkpots are highly aquatic turtles, and in Ontario are found in lakes, streams,
marshes, ponds and rivers (Edmonds, 2002). Because of their secretive aquatic
nature, spending approximately 90% of their time underwater, they are rarely
seen. In Ontario, they are mainly found in Georgian Bay, and along the southern
margin of the Canadian Shield. Suitable aquatic habitats are scarce on CFB
Borden, and no Stinkpots were observed during the course of the study.
Blanding’s Turtle were discovered by base Natural Resources staff, where they
were found in a old borrow pit adjacent to a large woodland pond to the east of
Gate 19 in the southeastern sector of the base.
Jefferson’s Salamander occurs in mature deciduous forests of a Carolinian
nature with temporary ponds in the spring which provide breeding sites. They are
mostly found at the western end of Lake Ontario, with a few locations further
north in forests associated with the Niagara Escarpment, where it occurs in
deciduous forests on calcareous loamy soils overlying limestone bedrock. It was
included on the list of potential species occurring on CFB Borden, because the
northern-most occurrence of this species occurred just to the west of Borden at
Kolapore Provincial Park in Grey County.
However, soils on the base are acidic and sandy, and the deciduous forests on
the base are not very rich, either in turns of species or nutrients, and do not
comprise suitable habitat for this species. All larval salamanders collected on the
base turned out to be Blue-spotted Salamanders, based on genetic analysis
undertaken by Dr. Ron Brooks, University of Guelph (M. Oldham, pers. comm.).
Eastern Hognosed Snake occurs in habitats with the following characteristics:
well-drained soil, loose or sandy soil, open vegetation such as open woods,
brushland or forest edge, and proximity to water (COSEWIC, 2007). This snake
feeds on toads, and is distinctive in both it’s appearance and habits. It is the only
16
Ontario snake with a wide flattened head with upturned snout. Also, when it feels
threatened, it will flatten and inflate it’s body into a cobra-like shape. It may then
escalate it’s defence response by flipping onto it’s back and playing dead. If this
is not enough, it may regurgitate it’s stomach contents and writhe in the
regurgitated material.
Despite the perceived abundance of appropriate habitat on the base, no Eastern
Hognosed snakes were observed during the field study. Further, over the course
of decades of military use on the base, there are no reports of this distinctive
looking and behaving species, either by base personnel or trainees, so it is
unlikely that this is an overlooked species.
Ribbonsnakes are a semi-quatic species, usually found along the edges of
ponds, streams, marshes, swamps or bogs, however, they may occasionally be
found in upland areas away from any wetlands (Lamond, 1994). Aquatic and
wetland habitats are very limited on the base, and Ribbonsnakes were not
observed in their vicinity during the field investigations.
Birds
Prior to the commencement of fieldwork, the following SAR bird species were
identified as potentially occurring on the base: Henslow’s Sparrow, Cerulean
Warbler, Least Bittern, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Short-eared Owl.
The habitat of Henslow’s Sparrow consists of extensive grassy fields that have
lain fallow for several years, and consequently have a well-developed ground
mat of dead vegetation. There is a preference for moist areas (Austen and
Cadman, 1993). This habitat is absent from the base. While it does have very
extensive areas of open grassland, they occur on very dry sandy sites, with low
grass height, and extensive areas of open sand between grass clumps. Mats of
dead vegetation are absent. No Henslow’s Sparrows were seen or heard during
bird surveys of these habitats.
Cerulean Warblers are associated with mature deciduous forests, with large,
well-spaced, tall trees, and an open understory (Barg, Jones, and Robertson,
2003). Forests on CFB Borden are mostly mixed deciduous-coniferous. The few
areas supporting deciduous forests are immature, with no large trees present,
consequently Cerulean Warbler habitat is lacking on the base.
Least Bitterns nest in large freshwater marshes, usually those 5 ha or greater in
area. They prefer dense tall aquatic vegetation, especially Cattails (Typha sp.),
but also Bulrush (Scirpus sp.) and Reed Grass (Phragmites sp.), interspersed
with clumps of woody vegetation and open water. Wetlands are very uncommon
on the base, most of them consist of treed swamps. No cattail marshes or other
type of marsh dominated by dense tall aquatic vegetation. There is an area of
wetland dominated by Canary Reed Grass (Phalaris arundinacea), on the south
17
side of the Archery Range road in the southeast section of the base, but this type
of marsh is unsuitable as Least Bittern nesting habitat.
The Red-headed Woodpecker breeds in a wide variety of habitats, the common
denominator being open, thinly treed habitats. These include both in and at the
edges of open deciduous and mixed woodlands; in areas flooded by beavers; in
fields and pastures; fence rows and roadsides on agricultural lands; urban parks,
ravines, golf courses and residential gardens; and the edges of rivers, flood
plains, and ponds (Peck and James, 1983).This is a noisy and brightly coloured
bird, which is readily observed. However, none were detected on the base during
the inventory.
Short-eared owls are birds of open habitats. In Ontario, these include cattail and
sedge marshes and adjacent fields, dry open farmland, pastureland with adjacent
grain and hayfields, shrubby bogs, tundra, meadows, and airport fields with short
grasses (Cadman, 1994). They may be detected by surveys at dusk in open
areas. These large birds can be observed soaring in open areas hunting for prey.
Although readily observed when present, no Short-eared owls were detected
during twilight surveys in appropriate habitats on the base.
Plants
Potential plant SAR which were searched for on the base include Eastern Prairie
Fringed-orchid, Forked Three-awn Grass, Beaked Spike-rush, American Ginseng
and Butternut.
In Ontario, the Eastern Prairie Fringed-orchid is restricted to calcareous habitats,
including tallgrass prairies and open fens. This species is known nearby from
open fen in the Minesing swamp just north of the base. No areas of suitable
habitat, such as mesic prairie or fen were observed on the base.
Forked Three-awn Grass occurs in open, disturbed sandy areas in Simcoe
County, where it occurs as a relic species on former shorelines of Post-glacial
Lake Algonquin. Former Lake Algonquin shorelines are present on the base, and
open, disturbed sandy areas are widespread. However, this distinctive species
was not discovered during targeted surveys of this habitat in late summer, when
this species matures and is most readily observed.
Beaked Spike-rush is a plant restricted to calcareous fens, and sandy calcareous
meadow marshes along Great Lakes shorelines. None of these habitats are
present on the base.
American Ginseng is a plant found in rich deciduous forests, usually dominated
by Sugar Maple, on loamy to sandy loamy, calcareous soil. It is often found on
rich slopes associated with limestone plateaus where there is some seepage,
where it is often associated with Butternut. Deciduous forest with Sugar Maple is
18
restricted to an area in the southeast corner of the base. The forest here is not
particularly rich, either in soil type, or species composition. Surveys conducted
here failed to locate any American Ginseng.
Similarly, Butternut was not found in the southeast section of the base where it
was most likely to be found. It was also searched for along the slopes of the Pine
and Mad River, where rich forests might have been present. However, no such
forests were found, nor was the species.
References
Austen, M.J.W. and M.D. Cadman. 1993. Updated status report on the
Henslow’s Sparrow, Ammodramus henslowii, in Canada. Committee on the
Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
Barg, J.J., J. Jones, R.J. Robertson. 2003. Update COSEWIC Status Report on
Cerulean Warbler, Dendroica cerulea. Prepared for Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
Cadman, M.D. 1994. The Status of short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) in Ontario.
Report prepared for Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Terrestrial
Ecosystems Branch.
Cadman, M.D. 2007a. Common Nighthawk, pp. 308-309 in Cadman, M.D., D.A.
Sutherland, G.G. Beck, D. LePage, and A.R. Couturier, eds. Atlas of the
Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment
Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and
Ontario Nature, Toronto, xxii + 706 pp.
Cadman, M.D. 2007b. Chimney Swift, pp. 314-315 in Cadman, M.D., D.A.
Sutherland, G.G. Beck, D. LePage, and A.R. Couturier, eds. Atlas of the
Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment
Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and
Ontario Nature, Toronto, xxii + 706 pp.
Cadman, M.D., D.A. Sutherland, G.G. Beck, D. LePage, and A.R. Couturier, eds.
Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada,
Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources, and Ontario Nature, Toronto, xxii + 706 pp.
Edmonds, J. 2002. COSEWIC Status Report on Stinkpot, Sternotherus odoratus.
Prepared for Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
Chapman, L.J. and D.F. Putnam. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario
3rd. Edition; Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 2. 270p. Accompanied
by Map P.2715 (coloured), scale 1:600 000.
19
Congdon, J.D., D.W. Tinkle, G.L. Breitenbach, and R.C. van Loben Sels. 1983.
Nesting ecology and hatching success in the turtle Emydoidea blandingi,
Herpetologica 39: 417-429.
Congdon, J.D., A.E. Dunham, and R.C. van Loben Sels. 1993. Delayed sexual
maturity and demographics of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii):
Implications for conservation and management of long-lived organisms.
Conservation Biology 7: 826-833.
COSEWIC. 2002. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered
Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa. vi + 29 pp. (http://dsppsd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/CW69-14-343-2003E.pdf)
COSEWIC. 2005. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the
Blanding’s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii in Canada. Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa. vii + 40 pp. (http://dsppsd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/CW69-14-222-2005E.pdf)
COSEWIC. 2007. Update Status Report on Eastern Hog-nosed Snake,
Heterodon platirhinos. 2-month interim status report. Prepared for the Committee
on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
Harding, J.H. 1997. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region.
University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor. 378 pp.
Lamond, W.G. 1994. The reptiles and amphibians of the Hamilton area – an
historical summary and the results of the Hamilton Herpetofaunal Atals.
Published by the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, Hamilton, Ontario. 174 pp..
Mills, A. 2007. Whip-poor-will, pp. 312-313 in Cadman, M.D., D.A. Sutherland,
G.G. Beck, D. LePage, and A.R. Couturier, eds. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of
Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field
Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature,
Toronto, xxii + 706 pp.
Oldham, M.J. 1991. Status report on the Spotted Turtle, Clemmys guttata, in
Canda. Report to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
(COSEWIC).
Peck, G.K and R.D. James. 1983. Breeding birds of Ontario: nidiology and
distribution. Vol. 1: Nonpasserines (First revision-part C: Jaegers to
Woodpeckers). Ontario Birds 12(1):11-17.
20
Walker, E.M. 1958. The ODONATA of Canada and Alaska, Volume 2. University
of Toronto Press. 318 pp.
Williams, K.L. 1988. Systematics and Natural History of the American Milk
Snakes, Lampropeltis triangulum. Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. 258 pp.
21
Appendix 1. SAR and provincially rare species on or near CFB Borden (i.e. which occur within 1 km of the base).
COMMON NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COSEWIC
OMNR
LOCATION
Five-lined Skink
Lake Sturgeon
Eumeces fasciatus
Acipenser fulvescens
SC
END
TOSORONTIO TOWNSHIP, SIMCOE COUNTY
NOTTAWASAGA RIVER
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
END
Henslow's Sparrow
Eastern Prairie Fringedorchid
Cerulean Warbler
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Zebra Clubtail
Arrow Clubtail
Milksnake
Hackberry Emperor
Beaked Spike-rush
Ammodramus henslowii
END
Platanthera leucophaea
Dendroica cerulea
Heterodon platirhinos
Stylurus scudderi
Stylurus spiniceps
Lampropeltis triangulum
Asterocampa celtis
Eleocharis rostellata
Urocyon
cinereoargenteus
Myotis septentrionalis
END
SC
THR
SC
NAR
ENDNR
ENDR
ENDNR
SC
THR
SC
SC
Grey Fox
Northern Long-eared Bat
MINESING SWAMP
ANGUS SOUTH
MINESING SWAMP, WEST OF BARRIE
MINESING SWAMP
CAMP BORDEN VICINITY
NOTTAWASAGA RIVER, BAXTER
NOTTAWASAGA RIVER - BAXTER
MINESING SWAMP
MINESING SWAMP
THR
THR
NOTTAWASAGA TWP
EAST BORDEN SWAMP
Abbreviations: END, Endangered, END-NR, Endangered Non-regulated, NAR, Not at Risk, THR, Threatened, SC, Special
Concern.
Note: Species listed above without COSEWIC/OMNR Ranks are provincially rare but not ranked by COSEWIC or OMNR.
22
Appendix 2. SAR and COSEWIC high-priority candidate species which may
potentially occur on CFB Borden.
COMMON NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COSEWIC
OMNR
Henslow's Sparrow
American Ginseng
Butternut
Forked Three-awned Grass
Northern Madtom
Spotted Turtle
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Jefferson Salamander
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Stinkpot (Common Musk Turtle)
Blanding’s Turtle
Least Bittern
Wood Turtle
Redside Dace
Monarch
Northern Brook Lamprey
Milksnake
Eastern Ribbonsnake
Cerulean Warbler
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-shouldered Hawk
Short-eared Owl
Southern Flying Squirrel
Ammodramus henslowii
Panax quinquefolius
Juglans cinerea
Aristida basiramea
Noturus stigmosus
Clemmys guttata
Heterodon platirhinos
Ambystoma jeffersonianum
Heterodon platirhinos
Sternotherus odoratus
Emydoidea blandingii
Ixobrychus exilis
Glyptemys insculpta
Clinostomus elongatus
Danaus plexippus
Ichthyomyzon fossor
Lampropeltis triangulum
Thamnophis sauritius
Dendroica cerulean
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Buteo lineatus
Asio flammeus
Glaucomys volans
END
END
END
END
END
END
THR
THR
THR
THR
THR
THR
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
ENDR
END
END
END
END
END
THR
THR
THR
THR
THR
THR
END
THR
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
Candidate Species
Erynnis martialis
Stylurus laurae
Caprimulgus vociforus
Hirundo rustica
Spizella pusilla
Mottled Duskywing
Laura's Clubtail Dragonfly
Whip-poor-will
Barn Swallow
Field Sparrow
Abbreviations: END, Endangered, END-R, Endangered Regulated, NAR, Not at Risk, THR,
Threatened, SC, Special Concern.
23
Appendix 3. Proposed field schedule for surveys of Species at Risk and high priority candidate COSEWIC
Species at CFB Borden, 2007 field season.
Survey Date
Species
Habitat
April
Jefferson Salamander
Wood Turtle
forest
riverbanks
May
Five-lined Skink
Spotted Turtle, Blanding's Turtle
dry open sandy forests with openings
wetlands with standing water
Breeding Bird survey
season (May 15-July 15)
Henslow's Sparrow
fields
Cerulean Warbler
Least Bittern
Red-headed Woodpecker
Whip-poor-will
Field Sparrow
forests
marshes
forests and swamps
open oak-pine woodlands and forest edges
fields
June
Mottled Duskywing
fields and open woods with New Jersey Tea
shrub
July
Eastern Prairie Fringed-orchid
fens
July - August
Hackberry Emperor
floodplain forests with Hackberry trees
August - September
Zebra Clubtail, Arrow Clubtail, Laura's
Clubtail
Forked Three-awn Grass
Beaked Spike-rush
rivers
open sandy fields
fens
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
open sandy fields and woods
Milksnake
old structures,debris (e.g corrugated metal)
fields
open areas
anywhere
rivers, streams
anywhere
fields
forests
May - September
(throughout survey
period)
Ribbonsnake
Grey Fox
Stinkpot
Monarch
Short-eared Owl
American Ginseng, Butternut
24