Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian and Frontenac Axis)

Introduction

This chapter provides a review of progress toward protection and recovery of Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population and Frontenac Axis population) in Ontario from 2007 to 2015.

Species information

Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) is a large, black snake with a white underside that sometimes has light patterning between black blotches. Young Gray Ratsnakes are light grey with dark grey or black blotches and spots. Gray Ratsnake is Ontario’s largest snake, growing up to two metres in length, and is non-venomous.

In Ontario, Gray Ratsnake is found in two regions, the Carolinian forest region along the north shore of Lake Erie and the Niagara area, and the Frontenac Axis area of southeastern Ontario. In Canada, Gray Ratsnake is only found in Ontario. The species is capable of using a broad range of habitat types; however, Gray Ratsnakes are typically found in deciduous forests and prefer ‘edge habitats’ where a deciduous forest meets an open area, such as meadows, rock outcrops or marshes. Females also require large, rotten deciduous trees and stumps or compost piles for laying eggs.

Gray Ratsnake faces several threats to its survival and recovery. These threats include habitat degradation and fragmentation, loss of habitat, intentional death by humans, road mortality, and disturbance or destruction of hibernacula. Because Gray Ratsnake requires a mix of deciduous forest and open areas, the species may be impacted if either type of habitat is lost or degraded or if the proportion of the two habitat types changes. Gray Ratsnakes are particularly sensitive to roads as they are a significant source of mortality to the species.

The survival and recovery of Gray Ratsnake are influenced by other factors as well. Gray Ratsnakes have a long lifespan and do not reach reproductive age until later in their life, approximately at seven years. In addition, Gray Ratsnake only reproduces every two years. Because the species takes a long time to reproduce, it is less able to recover if its population decreases.

Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) is listed as endangered and Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) is listed as threatened at the provincial (Species at Risk in Ontario List) level. Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) and Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population), also known as Gray Ratsnake (Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population), are listed as endangered and threatened at the federal (Schedule 1 under the Species at Risk Act) level, respectively. Globally, it is considered to be secure.

Provincial status

Prior to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA or “the Act”), the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) assessed Gray Ratsnake as threatened. Following this assessment, it was listed as threatened in 2000 and retained this status when the ESA came into force in 2008. COSSARO then re-assessed Gray Ratsnake, at which point COSSARO identified two distinct populations of the species, the Carolinian population and the Frontenac Axis population. Following this assessment, the status of the Carolinian population was altered from threatened to endangered on the Species at Risk in Ontario List in 2009 and the Frontenac Axis population retained its status as threatened. In future assessments, COSSARO may consider information gained through protection and recovery actions regarding the species’ threats and trends in population and distribution.

Species and habitat protection

Protecting Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) and Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) and enforcing the regulation protecting the specific habitats of the species are key components in the implementation of the ESA and continue to be government-led actions, as identified in the government response statement. Gray Ratsnake has been protected from being killed, harmed, harassed, captured or taken under the ESA since it came into force in 2008. In addition, the habitat of Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) and Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) is protected from being damaged or destroyed; habitat protection has been in place since 2009. Habitat protection for both populations was initially based on the general habitat definition in the ESA. The habitat of both populations is now protected through two distinct habitat regulations that came into force in 2012. Gray Ratsnakes also receive general protection as a Specially Protected Reptile under Schedule 9 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 (FWCA) (no hunting/trapping, approvals required for buying/selling etc.).

The government developed a habitat regulation (Ontario Regulation 242/08, section 27.1) for Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) and a habitat regulation (Ontario Regulation 242/08, section 27.2) for Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population). They provide clarity to the public and others on what areas are protected as habitat. The regulated habitat includes areas that are required by the species to carry out its life processes (e.g., foraging, basking and hibernation) within its range in Ontario. The habitat regulation was developed based information regarding the habitat needs of the species as well as social and economic factors, collected from a variety of sources including comments received through public consultation.

Any person who negatively impacts Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population and Frontenac Axis populations) or their habitats without prior authorization may be prosecuted under the ESA.

Recovery strategy

A recovery strategy for Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian and Frontenac Axis populations) was published on September 10, 2010. This was within the timeframe required by the ESA for the Carolinian population and was in advance of the date required by the ESA for the Frontenac Axis population. Recovery strategies are advice to government and represent the best available scientific knowledge. The strategy identifies Gray Ratsnake habitat needs and the threats that it faces, while recommending objectives and approaches for protecting and recovering the species. The recovery strategy also includes recommendations on the areas of habitat to be considered in the development of a habitat regulation.

Government response statement

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (“MNRF” or “the Ministry”) published the government response statement (GRS) for Gray Ratsnake on June 15, 2011, which was within the timeframe required by the ESA. The GRS is government policy that contains the Government of Ontario’s goal for the recovery of Gray Ratsnake.

To help achieve this goal, the government leads and supports recovery actions identified in the GRS. Common actions for the government to lead as it works toward achieving a species’ recovery goal are provided in section 2.5 of the Species at Risk Program Status (2008–2015). Three specific actions for the government to lead to help protect and recover Gray Ratsnake are:

• Develop a protocol to protect hibernating Gray Ratsnakes (or other snake species at risk) if they are accidentally unearthed;
• Develop a survey protocol to be used by proponents and partners to detect the presence or absence of Gray Ratsnakes; and
• Conduct a monitoring program for Gray Ratsnake at priority Ontario Parks locations to determine species presence, distribution and habitat use.

The GRS for Gray Ratsnake also lists 14 actions the Ministry supports others to undertake for the species. These government-supported actions fall under the objectives identified in the GRS, which are:

• Protect and manage the habitat of the species and mitigate priority threats;
• Develop and implement a co-ordinated monitoring program focused on population indices and distribution, habitat stresses and the effectiveness of recovery actions;
• Reduce human persecution of Gray Ratsnakes and promote stewardship; and
• Address knowledge gaps, including ecological studies of habitat and genetic connectivity.

Government funded projects

An important government-led action in the GRS for Gray Ratsnake is to support partners to undertake activities to protect and recover the species. Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund the Ministry has supported a total of 58 projects designed to contribute to the protection and recovery of Gray Ratsnake in Ontario. A total of $3,159,899 has been provided to stakeholders and conservation groups to carry out stewardship activities for both populations of the species. Of the 58 projects funded by the Ministry, ten projects involved both populations, 12 involved Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population), and 36 involved Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population).

Of the ten projects ($608,977) that involved both populations of the species, all of the projects targeted multiple species at risk, including both populations of Gray Ratsnake. In addition to the funding provided through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, partners reported that they were successful in securing additional funding ($869,506) from other sources. This amount includes additional funding and in-kind support in the form of time and expertise provided by volunteers.

Stewardship partners reported that provincial funding support helped them to secure in-kind support by involving 2,264 individuals who volunteered 5,857 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for multiple species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian and Frontenac Axis populations), which has an estimated value of $220,000. In addition, the partners reported providing outreach to multiple species at risk including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian and Frontenac Axis populations) to 76,494 individuals.

Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population)

Of the 12 projects ($401,175) that involved Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population), five projects ($128,501) focused exclusively on the species, while the other seven projects ($272,674) focused on multiple species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population). As well, partners were successful in securing additional funding and in-kind support from other sources. Partners focusing exclusively on Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) secured additional funding and in-kind support ($56,795) from other sources. Partners focusing on multiple species at risk reported securing $305,165 in additional funding and in-kind support. These amounts include additional funding and in-kind support in the form of time and expertise provided by volunteers.

Stewardship partners reported that provincial funding helped them to secure in-kind support by involving 37 individuals who volunteered 1,046 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities that focused exclusively on Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population), which has an estimated value of $34,735. As well, a total of 143 individuals volunteered 5,773 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for multiple species at risk, which has an estimated value of $149,550.

Stewardship partners reported that through both their efforts and the efforts of their volunteers, they were successful in enhancing eight hectares of habitat that is expected to benefit multiple species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population). Stewardship partners reported providing focused outreach on Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) to 22,630 individuals, and ecosystem-based outreach on multiple species to 4,920 individuals.

Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population)

Of the 36 projects ($2,149,747) that involved Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian), all of these projects targeted multiple species at risk including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population). In addition, partners reported that they were successful in securing additional funding ($3,595,307) from other sources. This amount includes additional funding and in-kind support in the form of time and expertise provided by volunteers.

Stewardship partners also reported that provincial funding support helped them to involve 5,861 individuals who volunteered 53,080 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for multiple species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population), which has an estimated value of $1,293,550. The stewardship partners also reported that through their efforts and the efforts of their volunteers to implement actions contained in the GRS, they were successful in enhancing 3,151 hectares of habitat expected to benefit multiple species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population). In addition, the partners reported providing outreach to multiple species at risk including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) to 228,580 individuals.

The remainder of this section highlights several projects that were supported through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund for Ontario and their corresponding government-supported recovery actions.

Work carried out by Friends of Murphys Point Park contributed significant progress toward seven actions outlined in the GRS. Consistent with the high priority GRS actions to identify locations of hibernacula, other habitat features and the extent of the species’ distribution, the partner conducted monitoring at two known hibernacula which confirmed 36 Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) sightings. Due to the success of the monitoring at existing hibernacula, the partner has planned to maintain current monitoring activities and develop and extend monitoring activities at other areas in the Frontenac Axis and within Murphys Point Provincial Park, which is high priority outlined in the GRS. Friends of Murphys Point Park satisfied the GRS action to deliver effective communication and outreach to stakeholders, landowners and schools within the range of Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) by initiating the Adopt-a-Snake Program. This program features a website and Facebook page that details information about the species, threats, habitat needs, an interactive aspect to report sightings, and information aimed to protect the species.

Long Point Basin Land Trust conducted a project over three years to support Carolinian reptiles, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) which contributes to four actions in the GRS. The project contributed to habitat creation and associated monitoring by constructing two snake hibernacula. These hibernacula were located and modelled after previously constructed hibernacula, which through monitoring and reporting, have proven to be used by multiple snake species. In addition, the high priority action to maintain current monitoring activities and extend monitoring stations in the Carolinian region were met by the partner by conducting road surveys and area searches in Haldimand, Norfolk and Elgin counties. Over 500 reptile observations were reported to the partner during their survey efforts, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population). The multi-year project also contributed to the GRS action to deliver effective communications and outreach by conducting four formal presentations about species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) and over 1,500 interpretive materials have been disseminated to landowners.

Ontario Nature has received funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund for multiple years in order to develop and promote the use of the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, a tool for reporting and recording sightings of reptiles and amphibians in Ontario. The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas program conducts extensive outreach campaigns to educate the public about reptile and amphibian conservation and to encourage local stewardship activities. Outreach activities are focused on educating residents of Ontario on the diversity of reptiles and amphibian species that exist in Ontario, threats these species face, the value they provide and opportunities to contribute to stewardship efforts. In 2014 alone, the program received over 25,104 new observations of reptiles and amphibians to be entered into the atlas and conducted six bioblitzes involving over 670 individuals across Ontario. This project supports the GRS action to deliver effective communication and outreach to key stakeholders within the existing range of both populations of Gray Ratsnake to increase awareness of the species’ distribution and threats, and to foster good stewardship.

Species at Risk Stewardship Fund

• 
  $128,501

  for Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) exclusively

• 
  $3,031,398

  for multi-species projects that included Gray Ratsnake

• 
  $4,826,773

  in additional funding and in-kind support

• 
  58

  projects included the Gray Ratsnake

• 
  8,305

  volunteers

• 
  65,756

  volunteer hours

• 
  3,159

  hectares of habitat restored

• 
  332,624

  people received outreach

Efforts to minimize adverse effects on and create an overall benefit for Gray Ratsnake

Supporting partners through permits and their associated conditions, is an important government-led action. A total of 21 permits have been issued for Gray Ratsnake since the species has been protected under the ESA: 20 ‘protection or recovery permits’ (i.e., 17(2)(b) permit) and one ‘overall benefit permit’ (i.e., 17(2)(c) permit).

‘Protection or recovery permits’ are issued if the purpose of the activity is to assist the protection or recovery of a species at risk. Of the 20 ‘protection or recovery permits’ issued, five permits were issued for multiple species at risk including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population). In addition, 12 permits were issued for Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) which included additional species, and three permits were issued for multiple species at risk including both populations of Gray Ratsnake. These permits enabled a variety of organizations to undertake activities such as contributing information to the extent of the species’ distribution by conducting surveys for Gray Ratsnake using cover boards; handling the snakes to educate environmental professionals; as well as, conducting research on habitat use, dispersal and gene flow.

There has been one ‘overall benefit permit’ (i.e., 17(2)(c) permit) issued for Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population). Several of the conditions of this permit are designed to implement government-supported actions identified in the GRS including:

• Research and implement methods for reducing significant threats, including road mortality and human persecution, and evaluate their effectiveness;
• Support the securement of lands that contain Gray Ratsnake sub-populations through existing land securement and stewardship programs; and
• Maintain current monitoring activities and develop and implement a plan to extend monitoring activities.

Other conditions designed to minimize adverse effects included, but are not limited to:

• Avoiding work during the spring emergence and fall migration of Gray Ratsnake in areas where Gray Ratsnake are known to occur;
• Adopting best management practices, in consultation with MNRF, when doing work in areas where Gray Ratsnake are known to occur; and
• Requiring workers to have species at risk training including species at risk identification, what to do if a species at risk is encountered, and general understanding of the ESA processes.

Further information regarding ‘overall benefit permits’ is available through Ontario’s Environmental Registry.

A total of 11 agreements were entered into for Gray Ratsnake. Six of these were for Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population), and five were for Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population). These agreements were enabled through Ontario Regulation 242/08 (prior to the July 1, 2013 amendment). Conditions of the agreements involve implementing actions in the mitigation plan, including, but not limited to:

• Minimizing adverse effects (e.g., identifying sensitive time periods for the species and completing specific activities outside of these times);
• Outlining measures to address incidental encounters to protect individuals, nests, and juveniles; and
• Constructing habitat features in a protected area for the species and submitting a report documenting the work undertaken.

Since 2013, 15 activities that may affect Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) or its habitat have been registered for the purposes of Ontario Regulation 242/08 under the ESA. One activity was registered under ‘Drainage works’ (section 23.9), one activity under ‘Pits and quarries’ (section 23.14), two activities under ‘Possession for educational purposes, etc.’ (section 23.15), one activity under ‘Species protection, recovery activities’ (section 23.17), nine activities under ‘Threats to health and safety, not imminent’ (section 23.18) and one activity under 'Ecosystem Protection' (section 23.11). The registrations enabled activities such as possession of Gray Ratsnake for the purpose of outreach and education to the public.

Additionally, 17 activities that may affect Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) or its habitat have been registered for the purposes of Ontario Regulation 242/08 under the ESA. Three of these activities were registered under ‘Drainage works’ (section 23.9), one activity under ‘Ecosystem protection’ (section 23.11), three activities under ‘Pits and quarries’ (section 23.14), five activities under ‘Possession for educational purposes, etc.’ (section 23.15), one activity under ‘Species protection, recovery activities’ (section 23.17) and four remaining activities under ‘Threats to health and safety, not imminent’ (section 23.18). The registrations enabled activities such as possession of Gray Ratsnake for the purpose of outreach and education to the public, and conducting surveys for snake species at risk to understand the species’ distributions and habitat features.

Registrations require the registered individual to comply with all conditions of the regulation, such as:

• Creating and implementing a mitigation plan developed by an expert on the species including taking steps to minimize adverse effects on the species and its habitat (e.g., establishing and maintaining a protective zone around terrestrial habitat features such as a nest or hibernaculum);
• Reporting observations of the species to the Ministry using the Rare Species Reporting Form;
• Ensuring the activity is carried out by an expert in relation to the species;
• Conducting training related to the species on species and habitat identification, the potential effects of the activity on the species and its habitat and how to minimize adverse effects; and
• Reporting annually on the effectiveness of mitigation actions set out in the plan.

Guides and resources for Gray Ratsnake

The Species at Risk Online Guides and Resources Toolbox is an electronic library of best management practices (BMP) and technical resources to assist proponents and practitioners in meeting the requirements of the ESA and its regulations. MNRF has recently developed a new BMP document for inclusion in the toolbox.

In 2013, the Ministry developed guidance on ‘Reptile and Amphibian Exclusion Fencing: Best Practices’ to assist landowners, conservation practitioners and environmental consultants to reduce the threats that roadways and associated roadwork pose to amphibians and reptile species at risk and their habitat. More recently, the Ministry has led the development of ‘Best Management Practices for Mitigating the Effects of Roads on Amphibian and Reptile Species at Risk in Ontario’. This document builds on the previous guidance by providing information on exclusion fencing as well as a number of other topics including, the impacts of roads, recommended processes and considerations for avoiding and mitigating impacts, crossing structures, monitoring techniques and supplementary mitigation measures. It also supports two high priority actions in the GRS to research and implement methods for reducing significant threats, including road mortality and human persecution, and evaluate their effectiveness and refine and promote best management practices for landowners and land managers. As road morality is a main threat to both populations of Gray Ratsnake, this document provides guidance to help mitigate impacts to the species, which is a primary goal of the GRS.

Developing a survey protocol to be used by proponents and partners to detect the presence or absence of Gray Ratsnake is included in the GRS as a government-led action. In 2016, the Ministry released the Survey Protocol for Ontario’s Species at Risk Snakes. This document provides reliable, science-based survey methods for Ontario’s snake species, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian and Frontenac Axis populations) and is available upon request at your local MNRF district office. The protocol provides information on survey methodology such as performing a records review, understanding the importance of environmental conditions when surveying, identification of survey sites, survey techniques and time periods and search effort. A recommended survey form is also provided to document each Gray Ratsnake survey as well as all observations of the species to be considered for inclusion in the official provincial record.

Occurrences of Gray Ratsnake in Ontario

Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC)

The Gray Ratsnake is found in two regions in Ontario and is recognized as two distinct populations. The Frontenac Axis population is found in southeastern Ontario in Frontenac, and Leeds and Grenville counties, and the Carolinian population is found along the north shore of Lake Erie and in the Niagara area.

There are 18 local populations^{footnote 1[1]} of Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) that have been documented in Ontario. Four local populations are classified as extant (i.e., observed within the last 20 years), 11 local populations are classified as historical (i.e., has not been reported or confirmed in the last 20 years) and three local populations area classified as extirpated (i.e., evidence indicates the population no longer exists).

Since 2008, when Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) became protected under the ESA, the Ministry has received approximately 70 records of the species. These records are based on observations between 1909 and 2015 and come from a variety of sources. Records submitted have helped to redefine where the species is known and has been known to occur and can provide additional information on the species’ habitat and threats. One new local population has been identified based on sightings made prior to 2008, was reconfirmed in 2013 and is now considered extant. Another local population has been identified based on sightings made prior to 2008 and is considered historical as a result of the date that the species was last observed. Additionally, one local population in the Niagara area has been newly-identified since 2008. The newly-identified local populations may not represent increases to the total population, but rather increased knowledge on the distribution of the species. In addition to the newly-identified populations, monitoring since 2008 has confirmed the species’ continuing presence in Haldimand County and Longpoint area with fair to poor estimated viability. Conversely, four local populations that were previously considered extant (located in Middlesex County, Haldimand County, and Niagara area) are now considered historical as a result of the date that the species was last observed. A change from extant to historical reflects our knowledge of the population and may not be indicative of a change to the population.

The Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) is widely-distributed along the Frontenac Arch in eastern Ontario. Given the species’ relatively broad distribution and the high volume of records submitted, the species’ occurrence information has been assessed at a landscape scale using 10 by 10 kilometre grid “squares” to approximate the species’ distribution. The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas uses the same size squares to display species observations within specific time periods. The “squares” were used to estimate where the species has been recently observed (i.e., has been observed within the past 20 years) as well as where the species is considered historical^{footnote 2[2]}. Using this approach, the species has been recently observed, in 45 squares, and there remain 41 squares that contain historical observations of the species. This equates to a potential range^{footnote 3[3]} of approximately 4,500 square kilometres based on recent observations of the species, and an additional 4,100 square kilometres based on historical observations.

In addition, since 2008, the Ministry has received approximately 1,372 records of Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population). These records are based on observations between 1906 and 2014 and come from a variety of sources. The records have helped to redefine where the species is known and has been known to occur and can provide additional information on its habitat and threats. Monitoring conducted since 2008 has identified two new squares where the species was not previously known to occur, and confirmed the species’ presence at 31 squares, three of which were previously thought to be historical. Conversely, 11 squares are now considered historical as a result of the date that the species was last observed. Based on up-to-date information, the species’ extant distribution is estimated to encompass a greater area (by 200 square kilometres) than was known in 2008.

It is possible that there are observations of Gray Ratsnake that have not been submitted to the Ministry. Encouraging the submission of observations of Gray Ratsnake to the Ministry is included in the GRS as a government-led action.

Everyone is encouraged, or may be required by an authorization or approval, to submit observations of the Gray Ratsnake as well as every other species at risk, to the Ministry’s Natural Heritage Information Centre for incorporation into the provincial record of observations. To ensure that sensitive and detailed species at risk data is only shared when appropriate, the NHIC has developed a protocol for distributing such data. In order to access this type of information, an individual or agency needs to demonstrate a legitimate need to know the information and complete data sensitivity training. According to the NHIC's protocol, an individual or agency has a legitimate need to know if they require the information to inform resource management or land use plans, or to advance scientific studies or the understanding of natural heritage. If all requirements are met, the NHIC issues a Sensitive Data Use License which allows the individual or agency to access the requested information. This protocol aligns with the government-led GRS action to ensure data sensitivity guidelines are put in place to improve information sharing as appropriate.

Summary of progress towards meeting the recovery goal

Summary of progress

Progress has been made toward the majority of government-led action and the majority of government-supported actions outlined in the GRS for Gray Ratsnake. The Government of Ontario has directly undertaken actions to:

• Develop a survey protocol to be used by proponents and partners to detect Gray Ratsnake;
• Conduct a monitoring program for Gray Ratsnake at priority Ontario Parks locations to determine species presence, distribution and habitat use;
• Encourage submission of Gray Ratsnake data to the Natural Heritage Information Centre and ensure appropriate data sensitivity guidelines;
• Protect the species through the ESA and its habitat through a habitat regulation;
• Support partners to undertake activities to protect and recover the species;
• Establish and communicate annual priority actions for support;
• Educate other agencies and planning authorities on the requirement to consider the protection of the species and its habitat; and
• Undertake communications and outreach to increase public awareness of species at risk in Ontario.

Government-supported actions are organized under overarching recovery objectives. Progress has been made toward all of the government-supported recovery objectives and the majority of the associated actions that are identified in the GRS for Gray Ratsnake.

Under the objective to protect and manage the habitat of the species and mitigate priority threats, progress has been made toward two of the actions and initial progress has been made on the remaining two actions:

• Research and implement methods for reducing significant threats, including road mortality and human persecution, and evaluate their effectiveness (Action No. 1; High Priority);
• Refine and promote best management practices for landowners and land managers (Action No. 2; High Priority);
• Assess the tolerance of habitat features to disturbance (Action No. 3); and
• As opportunities arise, support the securement of lands that contain Gray Ratsnake sub-populations through existing land securement and stewardship programs (Action No. 4).

Collectively, the actions have been implemented through projects supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund or through conditions of authorizations or registrations, or a combination of those, as well as through government-led actions. For example, the government led the development of several BMPs to mitigate threats to species at risk snakes.

Under the objective to develop and implement a co-ordinated monitoring program focused on population indices and distribution, habitat stresses and the effectiveness of recovery actions progress has been made toward all of the actions:

• Identify locations of hibernacula, other habitat features and the extent of the species’ distribution (Action No. 5; High Priority);
• Maintain current monitoring activities (e.g., of hibernacula) and develop and implement a plan to extend monitoring activities, including establishing additional monitoring stations in the Carolinian region (Action No. 6; High Priority); and
• Develop a process for analyzing monitoring data to determine the effectiveness of recovery actions and to inform future management activities (Action No. 7).

Collectively, the actions have been implemented through various monitoring projects supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund.

Under the objective to reduce human persecution of Gray Ratsnakes and promote stewardship, limited progress has been made toward the first action and considerable progress has been made on the second action:

• Evaluate existing communications and outreach approaches and develop new strategies that will have a positive impact on people’s behaviour (Action No. 8); and
• Deliver effective communication and outreach to key stakeholders, including landowners, cottage associations and schools within the range of Gray Ratsnake (Action No. 9).

Effective communication and outreach was delivered through various outreach events supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund.

Under the objective to address knowledge gaps, including ecological studies of habitat and genetic connectivity, progress has been made toward one of the five actions:

• Conduct additional studies into the habitat use and movement patterns of Gray Ratsnake Carolinian population (Action No. 13).

This action has been implemented through a project analyzing hibernaculum data to determine habitat use and was conducted under the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund.

The recovery goal for Gray Ratsnake is to maintain a viable self-sustaining Frontenac Axis population and to halt the decline of the Carolinian population and investigate the feasibility of increasing the distribution and size of the Carolinian population. Effort made toward the government-led and government-supported GRS actions has made progress toward these goals. For example, a substantial number of stewardship projects have made progress on delivering effective communication and outreach to landowners and stakeholders. Since intentional and accidental death is a significant threat to Gray Ratsnakes, educating the public will assist in the protection of both populations of Gray Ratsnake. Stewardship projects, such as those that monitored hibernacula and surveyed within the species known range, have also made progress toward restoring and maintaining self-sustaining populations of Gray Ratsnake. The provincial record of observations of Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac population) is exhibiting trends that are consistent with the GRS recovery goal as the species’ extant distribution is estimated to encompass a greater area (by 200 square kilometres) than was known in 2008. Further information is needed to determine whether Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) is tracking toward its goal to halt further decline. For example, four extant local populations remain with 2 local populations exhibiting fair to poor estimated viability and unknown viability for the remaining two. In addition, four previously extant local populations are now considered historical as a result of the date the species was last observed. The recovery goal also states that the government supports investigating the feasibility of increasing the distribution and size of the Carolinian population of Gray Ratsnake. Limited progress has been made to reach this part of the recovery goal.

Recommendations

As stated in the GRS, the review of progress toward protecting and recovering Gray Ratsnake can be used to help identify whether adjustments are needed to achieve the protection and recovery of the species. Based on progress to-date, the overall direction provided in the GRS for Gray Ratsnake should continue to guide protection and recovery actions for the species, particularly actions identified in the GRS as high priority. Relative to actions that have received a high level of support, the following actions have received support to a lesser degree and may be considered in future decisions regarding the protection and recovery of Gray Ratsnake:

• Although initial progress has been made toward assessing the tolerance of habitat features to disturbance (Action No. 3) and supporting the securement of lands that contain Gray Ratsnake sub-populations through existing land securement and stewardship programs (Action No. 4), further work is required to fully implement these actions ; and
• Actions for which progress has been limited should be supported in future implementation planning, such as undertaking a population and habitat viability assessment (PHVA): determine data needs and the use of PHVA, conduct research required for the PHVA and carry out the assessment once the information is available (Action No. 10); researching and collating data on habitat restoration practices, and evaluating their potential for widespread use (Action No. 11); determining how genetic connectivity among sub-populations is maintained, including the relative importance of different mechanisms, such as juvenile dispersal, adult dispersal and multiple paternity (Action No. 12); and investigating potential approaches to augmenting the Gray Ratsnake Carolinian population (Action No. 14);

Moving forward, protecting and recovering Gray Ratsnake will continue to be a shared responsibility that will require the involvement of many individuals, organizations and communities. Financial support for the implementation of actions may be available through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario or the Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program. The Ministry can also advise if any authorizations under the ESA or other legislation may be required to undertake a project. By working together, progress can continue to be made toward protecting and recovering Gray Ratsnake in Ontario.

Summary of progress toward the protection and recovery of Gray Ratsnake (2007 to 2015)

Provincial status:

• Prior to its transition to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), Gray Ratsnake was listed as threatened, but was not regulated under the previous Endangered Species Act. Gray Ratsnake retained this status under the ESA when it came into effect in 2008. In 2009, the species was split into two newly-listed populations on the Species at Risk in Ontario List: the Carolinian and the Frontenac Axis population. The Carolinian population is listed as endangered, and the Frontenac Axis population is listed as threatened. Both populations of Gray Ratsnake have been protected from being killed, harmed, harassed, captured or taken under the ESA since 2008, and their habitat has been protected from damage or destruction since 2009. Species and habitat protection continue to apply to both of the newly-listed populations.

Species-specific documents and guidance published by the government:

• Recovery Strategy for Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) Carolinian and Frontenac Axis populations in Ontario (2010)
• Gray Ratsnake — Carolinian and Frontenac Axis Populations: Ontario Government Response Statement (2011)
• Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) Habitat Regulation (Ontario Regulation 242/08; 2012)
• Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) Habitat Regulation (Ontario Regulation 242/08; 2012)

Government-supported stewardship projects:

• Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (“the Ministry”) has enabled its stewardship partners to conduct a total of 58 projects ($3,159,899) that have supported the protection and recovery of multiple species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian and Frontenac Axis populations). Ten projects ($608,977) included both populations of Gray Ratsnake; 12 projects ($401,175) were specific to Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) and other species at risk; and the remaining 36 projects ($2,149,747) targeted multiple species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population).
• The Ministry’s support helped its stewardship partners to involve 8,305 individuals who volunteered 65,756 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake. The estimated value of these voluntary contributions, as well as additional funding and in-kind support, is $6,524,608.
• Stewardship partners reported that through their actions 3,159 hectares of habitat were enhanced for Gray Ratsnake and other species at risk that inhabit the same ecosystem.
• Stewardship partners reported providing outreach on multiple species at risk, including Gray Ratsnake to 332,624 individuals.

Supporting human activities while ensuring appropriate support for species recovery:

• The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued 21 permits for this species: 20 ‘protection and recovery permits (i.e., 17(2)(b) permit) and one ‘overall benefit permit’ (i.e., 17(2)(c) permit).
• A total of 11 agreements were entered into for Gray Ratsnake. These agreements were enabled through Ontario Regulation 242/08 (prior to the July 1, 2013 amendment).
• Thirty-two activities have been registered for Gray Ratsnake. The activities were registered under ‘Drainage works’ (section 23.9), ‘Ecosystem protection’ (section 23.11), ‘Pits and quarries’ (section 23.14), ‘Possession for educational purposes, etc.’ (section 23.15), ‘Species protection, recovery activities’ (section 23.17) or ‘Threats to health and safety, not imminent’ (section 23.18) under Ontario Regulation 242/08 of the ESA.

Occurrences and distribution:

• There are 18 local populations of Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian population) that have been documented in southwestern Ontario, in the Niagara and north shore of Lake Erie regions. Currently, four of these local populations are extant, 11 are considered historical and three are classified as extirpated. Since 2008, three local populations have been newly-identified. In addition to the newly-identified populations, four existing local populations changed from extant to historical based on the date that each was last observed.
• Gray Ratsnake (Frontenac Axis population) has been recently observed in 45 squares, and there are 41 additional squares that contain historical observations of the species in southeastern Ontario. Since 2008, 11 squares are now considered historical based on the date the species was last observed, while 3 squares that were previously considered historical have been recently confirmed.

Related Information

• Categorizing and Protecting Habitat under the Endangered Species Act
• Habitat Regulation Summaries for Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian and Frontenac Axis population)
• Natural Heritage Information Centre
• Ontario’s Endangered Species Act
• Ontario’s Endangered Species Act Regulation 242/08
• Ontario Recovery Strategy and Government Response Statement for Gray Ratsnake (Carolinian and Frontenac Axis population)
• Policy Guidance on Harm and Harass under the Endangered Species Act
• Species at Risk Guides and Resources
• Species at Risk in Ontario List
• Species at Risk Stewardship Fund

References

COSEWIC 2007. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Gray Ratsnake Elaphe spiloides (Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population and Carolinian population) in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 33 pp. (www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm).