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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. i 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 ii 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 iii 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). 1 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: 2 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. 3 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. 4 Figure 1. Species at Risk and candidate Species at Risk located on CFB Borden. 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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. 10 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) 11 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 12 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, 13 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. 14 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