Amphibians are mostly four-legged animals with backbones that warm their body using the surrounding environment and live the early part of their life in or near water. Amphibians include frogs, toads and salamanders.
Why study amphibians?
Amphibians eat a variety of insect pests, which is beneficial to agriculture and human health. Amphibians moist, permeable skin also makes them vulnerable to drought and toxic substances, making them exceptional indicators of ecosystem health. Field studies will help us better understand and protect amphibians and their habitats when building and operating the new railway, while determining a baseline for future studies.
What do amphibian studies involve?
Amphibian studies specifically look for the presence of western chorus frogs, salamanders and other amphibians. Alto planners will listen for and record amphibian calls from wetlands, woodlots and surrounding areas. They will also look under logs and through moss mats within or near wetlands.
