Tag: species at risk

Species at Risk: Little Brown Myotis

Posted on August 19, 2025

Little Brown Myotis

SARA Endangered Species
Life stage and activities observable in the summer: adults in flight at dusk using sonar to catch flying insects

As dusk settles over the islands, you might just catch a glimpse of the Little Brown Myotis flying by! In forests, by fresh water, in grasslands, or open fields is where these small bats can be found, catching bugs as they fly through the air. The Little Brown Myotis has black ears, black wings, and a black tail. With a lifespan of more than 30 years, it is one of the most common bats across Canada.

These bats can teach us a lot about how to rest. As summer days breeze by, the Little Brown Myotis can be found resting in trees, cliffs, crevices, bat boxes, bridges, barns, and buildings for upwards of 20 hours a day! The Little Brown Myotis is a nocturnal species that feed on invertebrates such as moths, spiders, and beetles.

Unfortunately, populations of this bat have significantly declined throughout Canada due to the spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungal disease. WNS spreads most rapidly during the winter when bats are hibernating, affecting their skin and leading to dehydration, starvation, and death. As their habitat disappears due to deforestation and development, and bats are forced to hibernate together in fewer places, disease transmission of the WNS spores spreads more efficiently to uninfected bats.

How to Help the Little Brown Myotis

  • Avoid disrupting the Little Brown Myotis’ habitat, especially during roosting and hibernation. Never touch a bat – keep your distance and leave them alone!
  • If you find a dead bat, report it to the B.C. Community Bat Program online at bcbats.ca, via email at info@bcbats.ca or by calling 1-855-922-2287.
  • Contribute your observations of the Little Brown Myotis by sending an email to SAR@islandstrust.bc.ca.

Species at Risk: Northern Red-legged Frog

Posted on June 17, 2025

Northern Red-legged Frog

SARA Species of Special Concern
Life stage observable in the spring: egg-masses and tadpoles developing in ponds

The Northern Red-legged Frog, not to be mistaken with the Pacific Chorus Frog, is a quiet frog that prefers the comfort of its ground environment. These frogs are found in and around wetlands, ponds, streams, and lakes, as well as a diversity of forests. They have large legs and webbed feet for swimming, and mottled golden-brown skin that helps them blend in to their environment. Their common name is inspired by the pinkish hue on their legs.

Shortly after emerging from winter hibernation in the forest, these frogs migrate to watery habitat to reproduce, sometimes as early as February! As young frogs develop and mature throughout the spring, they feed on insects and other invertebrates found in the ecosystem around them.

How to Help the Northern Red-legged Frog

  • If you have a pond on your property, keep it clean! Avoid harmful products like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that can impact ponds through run off.
  • Whether you’re on your own property or recreating in the Islands Trust Area, avoid disrupting Northern Red-legged Frog habitat including wetlands and the forest understory. When visiting parks and open nature reserves, stay on authorized trails and keep your dog on leash and cleaned up after.

If you observe a Northern Red-legged Frog, enjoy from a distance. Contribute your observations through iNaturalist, sending an email to SAR@islandstrust.bc.ca or through the BC Government Frogwatching site: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-conservation/amphibians-reptiles/frogwatching.