|
Amphibians and reptiles of the Arboretum
A total of 14 species of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded over the years on the premises of the Morgan Arboretum of McGill University. Taken altogether, these species represent 70% of the total number of species found on the island of Montreal, indicating how important and varied are the habitats found within the Arboretum.
The species found in the Arboretum are:
Salamanders:
- Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
- Red-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
- Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
Salamanders and newts are tailed amphibians and belong to the Order Caudata
Frogs:
- American Toad (Bufo americanus)
- Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
- Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
- Green Frog (Rana clamitans)
- Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
- Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
Frogs and toads are tailless amphibians and belong to the Order Salientia (formerly Anura)
Turtles:
- Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Snakes:
- Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
- Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi)
- Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
- Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Turtles and snakes are reptiles and have a scaly skin and, except for snakes, true claws
Of course, all of these species have something special about one part or another of their life cycle, morphology, anti-predator mechanisms, hibernation methods, or one of many other incredible adaptations that could be stated about these fascinating creatures! Click on the following links to find out more…
SALAMANDERS AND NEWTS
FROGS
TURTLES
SNAKES
Salamanders and Newts:
Salamanders typically go through a well-defined four-stage life cycle that brings them through the egg, gilled aquatic larva, juvenile, and terrestrial adult (breeding) stages. The Red-spotted Newt is slightly different. Larvae from its aquatic stage will metamorphose into a juvenile landform called the “red eft”. The red eft is terrestrial and highly toxic, a fact that it advertises through the bright orange or red coloration it displays. Once two to five years have gone by, the red eft will migrate back to water and transform once more, this time into the adult aquatic form of the species.
Frogs:
Frogs are extremely varied in the many adaptations they demonstrate, and some very interesting examples can be found in the Arboretum.
What to say of the well known American Toad, a frog so well adapted to living on land away from water that its skin has become dry and thick (unlike the thin moist skin of most species of frogs) to prevent desiccation, and covered with the infamous so called “warts” that have earned him a bad reputation. The “warts” or tubercles are actually high concentration areas of the toxic glands that are found in the skin of frogs to protect them from predators; they certainly can’t cause warts on the human hands that handle the toad!
Others, like the Gray Treefrog, the Spring Peeper and the Wood Frog are amongst the less than ten species of vertebrates on planet earth known to be able to partly freeze over during the winter and then thaw out in the spring to resume their activity, thanks to special substances called cryoprotectants that are also widespread in the world of insects.
The Leopard Frog was only recorded once from the Arboretum, in 1964. Habitats favourable for the species, such as grassy fields near water, are not very common on the property, but are certainly present, adding an exciting opportunity to “rediscover” the species there!
Turtles:
Not many turtles are found in the Arboretum, the Midland Painted Turtle being the only species ever recorded on the premises. That is not surprising considering the permanent aquatic habitats, required by the turtle to thrive, are mostly absent from the area.
Snakes:
And what of the snakes? All in all, four different species are found within the Arboretum, two of which are of special concern at the provincial or federal levels. The Eastern Milk Snake, the only constrictor snake in the province, is listed as a species of special concern at the federal level, whereas the Northern Brown Snake is on the list of species susceptible of being designated as vulnerable or threatened at the provincial level. In spite of the bad press they often get and the numerous prejudices they have been carrying for ages, snakes are actually fascinating creatures that have adapted admirably well to their habitats and the many aspects of their natural history. Keep an eye open to catch a glimpse of an Eastern Garter Snake, the most common snake in the province, as it travels alongside a trail looking for food, or simply basks for warmth out on a rock or log.
Text written by: David Rodrigue - Edited by: Christina Idziak
|
