BioBlitz uncovers rare blue frog at Georgian Bay Islands National Park

From: Parks Canada

News Release

Volunteers record almost 200 species of plants and animals

September 29, 2017                                                                   Honey Harbour, Ontario                                                                   Parks Canada Agency

In managing national parks, Parks Canada maintains or restores ecological integrity, and provides Canadians with opportunities to discover and enjoy them.

A rare blue-coloured Green Frog was among the exciting finds during a BioBlitz at Georgian Bay Islands National Park earlier this summer, where volunteers teamed up with scientists to discover plant and animal species and contribute to their protection. The blue-coloured frog is unique because it is missing the yellow pigment which would normally make its skin green. This blue-coloured frog would have more of a challenge escaping predators, as it does not blend in as easily with the surroundings. This remarkable frog was documented along with many other species during the BioBlitz event using the iNaturalist app.

BioBlitz participants composed of 20 graduates from Lakehead University’s Ontario Master Naturalist program recorded almost 200 different species. The most common identified species were the Northern Leopard Frog, the American Bullfrog, the Green Frog and the Northern Map Turtle. During the BioBlitz, the invasive species Glossy Buckthorn was identified in Georgian Bay Islands. Glossy Buckthorn was discovered close to a decade ago in a different area of the park, however was controlled. As a result, Glossy Buckthorn has been added to the park’s invasive species monitoring plan to ensure it is controlled and eventually eradicated.

Parks Canada is a world leader in conservation and takes the protection of the species under its care very seriously. Together with Lakehead University’s Ontario Master Naturalist Program, Georgian Bay Islands National Park will use the findings from the BioBlitz to continue to help protect the national park and the wildlife that call it home.

Throughout 2017, Parks Canada has hosted BioBlitz events across the country in support of BioBlitz Canada 150, a Canadian Heritage signature Canada 150 initiative led by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. This nationwide initiative provided visitors to national parks with the opportunity to capture a snapshot of biodiversity on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Programs like Parks Canada BioBlitzes allow Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment.

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Quotes

“The Government of Canada is deeply committed to preserve our national parks, expand our system of protected areas, and contribute to the recovery of species at risk. Innovative programs like BioBlitzes enable Canadians – including youth and newcomers – to engage with and protect our biodiversity in fun and interactive ways; and in doing so, learn about issues like habitat loss and climate change. The successful BioBlitz at Georgian Bay Islands National Park, highlighted by the rare and remarkable find of a blue Green Frog, will greatly contribute to Parks Canada’s conservation efforts.”

The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Quick Facts

  • The Government is very pleased to offer free admission for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Autumn is a great time to visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park with park services operating daily Friday through Tuesday.

  • Georgian Bay Islands National Park is composed of 63 islands and is accessible by boat only. Non boaters can reserve the DayTripper shuttle service to Beausoleil Island by calling 705-526-8907. Visitors are encouraged visit the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information on available services and operating hours.A BioBlitz is a fun educational activity that encourages volunteers to team up with scientists, students, and park staff to discover plant and animal species and contribute to their protection. 

  • The iNaturalist Android app helps you upload citizen science observations of plants and animals to the iNaturalist.org online community for naturalists as well as other members of the iNaturalist network. One of the world's most popular nature apps, www.iNaturalist.ca helps you identify the plants and animals around you. Get connected with a community of over 400,000 scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature!

Associated Links

Contacts

Leslie MacPherson
Public Relations & Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit 
Leslie.MacPherson@pc.gc.ca
613-246-3841

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

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