A recovery strategy has been developed for the Atlantic Population of ribbonsnakes1. This document provides information on the snake's biology, threats facing the population in Nova Scotia, recovery objectives and steps to achieve recovery.
The population objective identified in the strategy is to achieve "a self-sustaining population of eastern ribbonsnakes with a 95% probability of persistence across its current range". The goals are being addressed through a combination of communication and stewardship, research, habitat management and monitoring.
The document outlines six broad strategies:
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Achieve conservation of currently known critical habitats and new habitats are they are identified, though stewardship, land acquisition, and management actions.
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Overcome challenges in conducting research in this small, cryptic species to gain a better understanding of population dynamics and habitat use.
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Determine the extent of the range in Nova Scotia and the population structure, abundance, and trends within that range in order to identify the appropriate scales for recovery.
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Identify habitat features used for each life stage and activity, and determine if they are limiting.
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Identify population threats, evaluate their significance and take steps to mitigate those threats.
- Develop long-term monitoring protocols and techniques to evaluate the success of recovery actions.
For more information, please see the Species at Risk Public Registry.
1 Parks Canada Agency. 2012. Recovery Strategy for the Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus), Atlantic Population in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. x+46pp.