Sunshine Coast Faunal Survey

PROJECT OVERVIEW

ursus-lake The fauna of the Sunshine Coast is threatened by increasing human population growth, rapid development and expanding habitat loss and fragmentation. Development is proceeding in the absence of sufficient biological information to inform land use and wildlife management decisions. Many taxonomic groups have never been systematically surveyed. Information is urgently needed to guide conservation of wildlife, and in particular threatened and endangered species.

red-legged Of distinct concern are bats, amphibians, and Western painted turtles, for which extremely limited surveys have been conducted. As a result, even basic information is lacking. For much of the Sunshine Coast, we have yet to determine which species are present, map species distributions, or evaluate foraging, nesting or roosting habitat use and requirements. By conducting comprehensive faunal surveys, with a focus on threatened species and areas of conservation concern, we will provide essential information about species distribution, abundance, and habitat associations.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Goal A: To help maintain, conserve and enhance wildlife diversity on the Sunshine Coast by:

Identifying important breeding, foraging, roosting, and nesting habitat for different species

Mapping the distribution of species-at-risk and introduced species

Identifying and prioritizing key sites for conservation of wildlife

Goal B: To convert project findings into management actions by:

Creating a prioritized list of Wildlife Habitat Features and potential Wildlife Habitat Area candidates

Distributing project findings and habitat-management recommendations to land managers and agencies, government, industry, First Nations, conservation organizations, and the general scientific community

Goal C: To raise awareness and foster support for conservation of wildlife habitat on the Sunshine Coast by:

Undertaking public outreach activities emphasizing the ecological importance and habitat needs of native wildlife species and the importance of conservation and habitat enhancement initiatives

Providing community members and university and college students with a hands-on opportunity to participate in the wildlife research activities

PROGRESS TO DATE

This is the second year of a four-year project. In 2006, 19 high priority survey locations were chosen based on previous habitat inventories and assessments and in consultation with scientists and conservationists on the Sunshine Coast. The sites included wetlands, mature and old-growth coniferous forest and riparian zones, and represent sites of most pressing conservation and management concern and those with the greatest wildlife and recreational value.

swift-lake In 2007, surveys of bats and terrestrial and aquatic amphibians were conducted at 12 of the 19 sites. This year, we will continue work at these 12 locations and begin surveys at a minimum of three additional sites. We will continue surveys of bats and amphibians, and initiate new surveys of Western painted turtles. We intend to include additional taxonomic groups in subsequent years.

PROJECT LEADERS

Michelle Dr. Michelle Evelyn, Ph.D. RPBio (Project Manager). A wildlife ecologist, Michelle’s work focuses on balancing the needs of humans and wildlife, and identifying and protecting key resources for wildlife in human-dominated landscapes. Michelle studied Ecology and Zoology at the University of British Columbia and gained her MSc. and Ph.D. from Stanford University. She is a Research Affiliate with the Biodiversity Research Centre at UBC and is the recipient of many awards, grants and academic honours.

David David Stiles, B.Sc. (Field Manager): Dave is a field biologist who has spent the past fifteen years working on wildlife research and conservation projects in BC, California and Mexico. Prior to moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2002, he worked as a research assistant at the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University. Dave has worked with a great diversity of animals including amphibians, birds, bats, insects, and small and medium sized mammals. He has extensive experience mist netting and radio tracking bats, including endangered Keen’s long-eared Myotis. Dave is skilled at organizing, coordinating and motivating teams of researchers, volunteers and interns.

PROJECT FUNDERS

This project is generously funded by:

hctf B.C. Habitat Conservation Trust Fund
www.hctf.ca/hctf.htm

Service Service Canada
servicecanada.gc.ca

The Lagoon Society acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society
RR#1 Site 20 C16
Madeira Park, BC, V0N 2H0
Phone/Fax: 604-883-9893
Email: info@lagoonsociety.com

Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre
15386 Sunshine Coast Highway
101 North (1KM south of Ruby Lake)
Phone: 604-883-9201
Open Daily 10AM to 4PM