Falcons flying high during Mono NVCA workshop

Rare species don't just live in far off, exotic places; some live close to your backyard.

These unique species and ways to protect them were the focus of a Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority workshop on Tuesday, at the Mono Community Centre.

One species highlighted was the Jefferson Salamander, which is found in the Town of Mono. The threatened salamander has been making headlines recently, for stalling development projects in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

In Canada, the Jefferson Salamander is found only in scattered locations in southern Ontario. Its optimal habitat - undisturbed deciduous forest floors and unpolluted breeding ponds - is under threat from urban development, agriculture and potential climate change.

NVCA ecologist, David Featherstone, says the local Jefferson Salamander population should continue to thrive provided that its habitat is protected from inappropriate land use.

"Along our portion of the Niagara Escarpment, we are fortunate to have strong, protective land use policies and a network of natural parks," says Featherstone. "However, the effects of climate change on area forests and wetlands are less certain - drier conditions may reduce or eliminate breeding habitat in parts of their range."

The Nottawasaga watershed is home to other species at risk, including the Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake, the Spotted Turtle and the Eastern Prairie White Fringed Orchid, just to name a few.

Rare species receive careful consideration through the review of development proposals and are often monitored by government and non-government agencies, as well as the public.

Education is a key tool to increase public awareness of rare species. They act as ecological indicators and responsible stewardship is needed so they can be enjoyed by future generations.