Recovery Strategy for the Eastern Ribbonsnake, Atlantic Population in Canada [Proposed] 2011: Recovery
At this time, recovery of the eastern ribbonsnake in Nova Scotia is considered to be feasible according to the criteria outlined in the Policy on the Feasibility of Recovery (Government of Canada 2009). The policy states that recovery is deemed feasible if all of the following four criteria are met.
- Individuals of the wildlife species that are capable of reproduction are available now orin the foreseeable future to sustain the population or improve its abundance.
- Sufficient suitable habitat is available to support the species or could be made available through habitat management or restoration.
- The primary threats to the species or its habitat (including threats outside Canada) can be avoided or mitigated.
- Recovery techniques exist to achieve the population and distribution objectives or can be expected to be developed within a reasonable timeframe.
The population contains individuals capable of reproduction, it is believed that sufficient habitat is available or can be made available through habitat management or restoration. The severity of threats, methods to avoid or mitigate those threats, and effectiveness of recovery techniques are poorly known at this time. Having said that, the information currently available supports the view that recovery is feasible.
The population objective is to achieve a self-sustaining population of eastern ribbonsnakeswith a 95% probability of persistence across its current range. A self-sustaining population is necessary for the full recovery of any species; however, at this time, number of ribbonsnakes required for a stable population in Nova Scotia is unknown.
The distribution objective is to maintain or expand the current distribution of wetlands used by eastern ribbonsnakes in southwestern Nova Scotia. The distribution in Nova Scotia is already limited and the species would likely be further jeopardized by loss of range. The current lack of knowledge of present and historical status prevents any quantitative assessment to determine a precise recovery target. Consequently, two intermediate distribution objectives have been identified, that are designed to prevent the species from declining and to acquire the knowledge necessary to determine appropriate recovery targets.
The intermediate objectives are to:
- maintain populations of eastern ribbonsnake at known locations; and
- gain a sufficient understanding of distribution, demography, population structure, and habitat associations to conduct a sensitive assessment of population viability.
The goals and objectives can be addressed through four broad, interrelated strategies: Communication and Stewardship, Research, Habitat Managed for Securement and Monitoring. These broad strategies provide a framework for the development of species recovery approaches, help participants identify their role in the recovery process, and can increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness of recovery approaches.
The following broad approaches to achieving the recovery objectives have been identified:
- Achieve conservation of currently known critical habitats and new habitats as they are identified, through stewardship, land acquisition, and management actions.
- Overcome challenges in conducting research on this small, cryptic species to gain a better understanding of population dynamics and habitat use.
- Determine the extent of the range in Nova Scotia and the population structure, abundance, and trends within that range in order to identify the appropriate scales for recovery.
- Identify habitat features used for each life stage and activity, and determine if they are limiting.
- Identify population threats, evaluate their significance and take steps to mitigate those threats.
- Develop long-term monitoring protocols and techniques to evaluate the success of recovery actions.
Recommended approach to meet objective | Priority + | Broad strategy * | Threats addressed | Outcomes | Timeline |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Objective 1. Achieve conservation of currently known critical habitats and new habitats as they are identified through stewardship, land acquisition, and management actions. | |||||
1.1 Continue public education campaign.
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U | C |
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Ongoing |
1.2 Support Mi’kmaw participation in all aspects of ribbonsnake recovery.
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U | C, R |
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Ongoing |
1.3 Continue to develop volunteer opportunities and promote public involvement in research and recovery. | U | C, R |
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|
Ongoing |
1.4 Work with landowners, Aboriginal organizations, industry, recreationalgroups, and developers to minimize impact on snakes and their habitat.
|
U | C, H |
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Ongoing |
1.5 Continue to develop and error-proof a central database for all ribbonsnake information in Nova Scotia to provide high quality information and maps to recovery planners. | U | C, R |
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Ongoing |
1.6 Continue to work with other recovery teams and organizations to prevent overlap.
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U | C, H |
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Ongoing |
1.7 Collaborate with private landowners, Aboriginal organizations, industry, and government to secure habitat and develop management plans.
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N | C, H |
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Ongoing |
Objective 2. Overcome challenges in conducting research on this small, cryptic species to permit better understanding of population dynamics and habitat use | |||||
2.1 Incorporate Mi’kmaw perspectives on research methodology as part of recovery team deliberations.
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N | R,C |
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Ongoing |
2.2 Identify the best technique to mark individuals that is permanent, minimizes risk to snakes, and reduces identification error.
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U | R |
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2010-2015 |
2.3 Refine visual survey techniques and evaluate the influence of habitat structure, weather, season, and search effort on detectability.
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U | R |
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2010-2015 |
2.4 Explore alternative means of capturing snakes.
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N | R |
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2010-2015 |
2.5 Explore technology to track individuals to allow us to assess movement and habitat use.
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N | R |
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2010-2015 |
Objective 3. Determine the extent of the range in Nova Scotia and identify population structure, abundance, and trends within that range in order to identify the appropriate scales and priorities for recovery. | |||||
3.1 Design and implement a Mi’kmaw knowledge acquisition project.
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U | C, R |
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2010-2015 |
3.2 Conduct surveys and solicit public sightings to determine the extent of the range in Nova Scotia.
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U | C, S |
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Ongoing |
3.3 Identify the spatial scale of population genetic structure.
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U | R |
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Ongoing |
3.4 Evaluate current movement patterns and identify travel routes between concentration sites.
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U | R |
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2010-2015 |
3.5 Evaluate abundance and population trends.
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N | R,M |
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Ongoing |
Objective 4. Identify habitat features used for each life stage and activity, and determine if they are limiting. | |||||
4.1 Locate and characterize habitat features used for each life stage and activity, particularly overwintering sites.
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U | R |
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Ongoing |
4.2 Characterize habitat used at the wetland scale and develop models to predict occurrence and identify critical habitat features. | B | R |
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2013-2015 |
4.3 Document the response of ribbonsnakes to dam removal in KNPNHS (if applicable). | B | R |
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As applicable |
Objective 5. Identify population threats, evaluate their significance and take steps to mitigate those threats. | |||||
5.1 Document current development in and around critical habitats and evaluate its effect on the species. | U | R |
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Ongoing |
5.2 Evaluate susceptibility to inbreeding | N | R |
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2010-2015 |
5.3 Assess the attitude of people toward snakes. | B | R |
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2010-2015 |
5.4 Collaborate with Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans, NS Dept. of Natural Resources, and other fisheries and research agencies to monitor exotic fish and assess their impact.
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N | R |
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Ongoing |
5.5 Conduct Population Viability Analysis (long-term objective). | B | R |
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>2015 |
Objective 6. Develop long-term monitoring protocols and techniques to evaluate the success of recovery actions. | |||||
6.1 Develop and implement protocols for long-term monitoring of populations and their habitats and threats.
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U | M |
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Ongoing |
6.2 Evaluate the success of educational initiatives in affecting knowledge and attitudes; develop a protocol outlining the best methods to approach landowners. | B | M |
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2010-2015 |
6.3 Evaluate recovery actions as they are undertaken. | N | M |
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Ongoing |
+ Priority: U = urgent; N= necessary; B= beneficial
* Broad strategy: C =communication and stewardship; R=research; H = habitat managed for securement; M=monitoring
A more detailed rationale has been developed to support each approach recommended in the recovery planning table (The Eastern Ribbonsnake Recovery Team, 2008). A complete copy of this document is available from Parks Canada. However, a few key points regarding public engagement are included below as engagement is deemed as central to ribbonsnake recovery.
1.2 Support Mi’kmaw participation in all aspects of ribbonsnake recovery.
The Mi’kmaq are traditional stewards of the territory where ribbonsnakes are found and are being monitored. There are legends and dances pertaining to snakes as well as petroglyphs of snake beings, demonstrating the cultural significance of snakes for the Mi’kmaq. For these reasons, it is imperative that the Mi’kmaq are invited to participate in planning as well as the recovery process. Participation will include being involved as recovery team members, community advisors to the recovery team (minimum of two Elders or Culture Keepers from the local Mi’kmaq community), and sharing of Mi’kmaw knowledge relating to ribbonsnakes or its critical habitat. It will also include participation in traditional ceremonies and active management for ribbonsnakes.
Supporting Mi’kmaw cultural events that celebrate the ribbonsnake will increase public awareness and help overcome the negative perception of snakes. Combining traditional approaches with conventional research will encourage a greater understanding of ribbonsnakes and develop cooperative approaches to recovery.
1.3 Continue to develop volunteer opportunities and promote public involvement in research and recovery.
Encouraging volunteers to participate directly in meaningful research and recovery activities helps to create snake advocates and allows for the implementation of cost-effective recovery programs. By developing standard protocols, training participants, and implementing error checking procedures, both volunteers and researchers can collect high quality, useful data. This is particularly helpful with species such as the ribbonsnake where knowledge is poor and research is very labour intensive.
1.4 Work with landowners, Aboriginal organizations, industry, recreational groups, and developers to minimize impact on snakes and their habitats.
A best practices guide will be distributed to landowners in ribbonsnake critical habitat. The purpose of this manual is to inform landowners about wetland species at risk, alleviate fears surrounding critical habitat identification, and provide useful information on how to minimize the impact of activities on ribbonsnakes and their habitats. One-on-one landowner contact and site visits will complement the guide. Landowners will be encouraged to implement these best practices on their properties.
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