Recent data suggests that the smallest frog found in Quebec may actually be a unique species in the world. However, according to a Ministry of the Environment report secretly released on Wednesday, the choir frog is threatened with extinction.
Published at 2:17 am. Updated at 7:00 a.m.
What there is to know
A new Department of Environment report concludes that half of western chorus frog populations are “extinct or likely extinct.”
The chorus frog found in Quebec may actually be a unique species in the world, according to new scientific data.
The tiny amphibian was listed as an endangered species in Quebec in 2001.
The decline in populations of this species has continued over the past 20 years. Quebec declared it an endangered species in December 2022.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) discreetly released on Wednesday an important report on the viability of western chorus frog populations in Quebec. The analysis concludes that almost half of the species' populations “have already disappeared or are likely to go extinct.”
“At the time of publishing this report, less than a quarter of incidents [de la rainette faux-grillon] could persist in the medium term if conditions remained as they are,” writes biologist Philippe Lamarre, author of the MELCCFP document. “However, the viability of the species at the provincial level may be underestimated as almost a third of occurrences are poorly documented,” he adds.
According to Alain Branchaud, biologist and general director of the Society for Nature and Parks of Quebec (SNAP Quebec), the report is “an example of our collective failure to ensure the survival of this species.” Mr. Branchaud also believes that it is entirely possible that hope will disappear within 20 years, especially in Montérégie.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
Tommy Montpetit, conservation director at Ciel et Terre
This is an observation of global failure. We are on the verge of extinction and it is the government of Quebec itself that recognizes this.
Tommy Montpetit, conservation director at Ciel et Terre
“If Quebec continues to issue permits [pour détruire des milieux humides] At the same rate, it could well take less than 20 years for hope to disappear,” he adds.
A “unique” species?
New scientific data also suggests that Quebec's chorus frog is actually a unique species in the world. In a note sent to the chorus frog recovery team on December 11, biologist Stephen Lougheed suggests that the small amphibian found in the province is actually “unique.”
In recent years, certain analyzes confirmed that the western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) found in Quebec was in fact a boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata), a species that is not threatened in Canada. Lawyers from various project sponsors also support this hypothesis. An opinion that Stephen Lougheed, who teaches biology at Queen's University, does not share.
“First, let me state unequivocally that the Western Quebec Chorus Frog is not the Boreal Chorus Frog found in Western Canada. […] In my opinion, this claim by the developers' lawyers is completely absurd. This is not western Pseudacris maculata. They are something completely different and unique,” he wrote in his note, a copy of which was obtained by La Presse.
“We have not yet published or submitted anything for publication, but in 2024 we will be able to publish several papers on the genomics and speciation of chorus frogs, including those from western Quebec,” he adds.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESS ARCHIVE
Alain Branchaud, general director of the Society for Nature and Parks of Quebec
“We have a responsibility to protect what could constitute a particular species, but rather we are in the process of creating the conditions for the creation of an environmental debt,” reacted Alain Branchaud as he read Mr Lougheed’s note.
For his part, Tommy Montpetit points out that the Quebec government has not done much to protect the species in the last 20 years. The new MELCCFP report also indicates that the chorus frog's populations continued to decline even after Quebec listed it as an endangered species in 2001.
Value that was recognized 20 years ago
For several years, Quebec's Ministry of the Environment approved the filling of numerous wetlands, knowing that they were home to populations of chorus frogs.
Documents obtained by La Presse indicate that as early as 2003, Quebec was aware of the importance of the stretch of Béliveau Boulevard in Longueuil, where one of the largest populations of chorus frogs in the province was found.
In a letter dated March 20, 2003 to the city of Longueuil, the Ministry of the Environment wrote: “Our ministry as well as the FAPAQ [ancienne Société de la faune et des parcs]does not view the filling of wetlands and the relocation of sensitive and threatened species as positive. »
In another letter dated April 14, 2003, the ministry noted the quality of the wetlands and confirmed that they were “of significant ecological value.”
This did not prevent the authorities from concluding that “despite the interest in these environments, we are ready to accept an application for authorization to allow you to carry out the works in the specified sector”.
Alain Branchaud says Quebec should not allow the destruction of wetlands “nor any form of compensation” if endangered species live there.
Learn more
3 cm The chorus frog measures less than 3 cm and can be recognized by its very distinctive song, which can be heard during the breeding season in spring. The species breeds in temporary wetlands where it is generally protected from predators.
Source: COSEWIC
2 The chorus frog is found in two regions in Quebec: Outaouais and Montérégie. The two biggest threats to the species are intensification of agricultural activities and urban development.
Source: MELCCFP 2023 report