Mount Royal Park Swamp Characterization and Amphibian Habitat Protection and Enhancement Recommendations

Abstract

The ecological functioning and amphibian habitat quality of Mount Royal Park’s sole wildlife supporting urban swamp has become significantly impoverished and altered over time, resulting in a loss of biodiversity as evidenced by the disappearance of the wood frog (Lithobates sylvatica) and American toad (Bufo americanus) (Ouellet 2005). Although the blue-spotted salamander
(Ambystoma laterale) continues to thrive in the swamp, its population remains vulnerable to the impacts of further degradation and alterations to its habitats. My preliminary findings suggest that although the swamp and surrounding landscape in Mount Royal Park in some ways provide suitable habitat for amphibians, in other more important ways, it does not. Based on preliminary findings, several recommendations were identified to improve the swamp and surrounding landscape’s capacity to support amphibians, thereby promoting the long-term recovery of the blue-spotted salamander and creating the possibility of re-introducing the species that have disappeared. Recommendations include launching a public awareness campaign; core habitat management in the form of core habitat protection, trail management and dispersal corridors; hydrologic management in the form of a wetland complex; and flood and sediment control and invasive species management.