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natural areas inventory - Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

natural areas inventory - Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

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Northern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis)National Status: Special Concern; exceptNova Scotia which isThreatenedProvincial Status:<strong>Niagara</strong> NAI:Special ConcernLocalized (5 sitesconfirmed in 3 of 12<strong>Niagara</strong> RM townships +Haldimand)Map # 27R.TervoThe Northern Ribbon snake is a slender attractive snake which looks similar to the more common gartersnake but it is predominantly black with three contrasting yellow stripes, one mid-dorsal and remainingtwo on scale rows 3 and 4 and has a distinct white half moon spot in front of the eye (Fisher et. al. 2007).It is a secretive species associated with wetlands and edges of fields. They hibernate in terrestrial sitescommunally in an underground burrow below the frost line with their own or other snake species(COSEWIC, 2002). This species was confirmed in 5 sites in the study area. Additional detailed surveysare required to confirm this species presence in remaining townships.Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)National Status: ThreatenedProvincial Status:Threatened<strong>Niagara</strong> NAI: Data Deficient (0sites confirmedduring study)Map # 28R.TervoThe Queen snake is a specialized crayfish consumer and inhabits cold to cool water clear streams whereit can be found under rocks or basking on banks or in shrubbery (Fisher et. al. 2007). It is not well knownin the <strong>Niagara</strong> NAI study area where there are no NHIC records (COSEWIC 2000; NHIC 2008).However there are anecdotal references to this species in the local MNR fisheries assessment files(1970’s) from the Creek valleys of Twelve Mile, and Fifteen Mile. Further searching for this rare,secretive snake is needed.Natural Heritage Areas Inventory, 2010 12-25

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