NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BURLINGTON
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As temperatures rise, the annual migration of a local endangered species across King Road begins. The City will close a section of King Road to allow for Jefferson salamanders’ breeding migration. Starting on Monday, March 5, King Road, from North Service Road to Mountain Brow Road, will be closed so the salamanders can cross the road safely and find a mate. Local traffic for all properties between North Service Road and the escarpment will be maintained. King Road will reopen for through traffic on Tuesday, April 2, once the salamanders are expected to finish their annual crossing.
Since 2012, the City of Burlington has closed this section of road so the salamanders can cross safely. They are a nationally and provincially protected endangered species.
About the Jefferson salamander
In Canada, the Jefferson salamander is found in Southern Ontario in select areas of deciduous forest, mostly along the Niagara Escarpment.
Jefferson salamanders spend most of their lives underground. As the weather warms up and the spring rain starts, the salamanders surface and begin their voyage to breed in temporary ponds formed by run-off. They lay their eggs in clumps attached to underwater vegetation. Adults leave the ponds after breeding. By late summer, the larvae lose their gills, become air-breathing juveniles and leave the pond to head into nearby forests.
Adult salamanders migrate to their breeding ponds during wet rainy nights. They are drawn to the pond where they hatched and can be very determined to reach it, sometimes crossing busy roads to get back to their birthplace.
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Quick Facts
- The Jefferson salamander is protected at both the provincial and national levels. It was added to Ontario’s endangered species list in 2011.
- Jefferson salamanders have a grey or brown-coloured back, with lighter under-parts. Blue flecks may be present on the sides and limbs.
- Adult Jefferson salamanders are 12 to 20 cm long. The long tail makes up half this length.
- Females tend to be larger than males. The males have swollen vents during the breeding season.
- Unlike most small animals, Jefferson salamanders can live a very long time; up to 30 years of age.
Quotes
Burlington Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
“With this mild weather, it’s important to close the road a bit earlier this year to protect our ‘Jeffies’. I appreciate the support for this closure, not only from the residents of Ward 1, but also the entire community. Thank you to everyone who does their part every year to help protect Jefferson salamander populations in our city. The road closure plays a vital role in protecting their species and allowing them to breed.”
Lesley Matich, Manager, Science and Monitoring, Conservation Halton
“For over a decade, Conservation Halton has partnered with the City of Burlington to ensure that the Jefferson Salamander can safely make the trek across King Road, towards their spring breeding ponds. These efforts have a direct impact on this endangered species’ capacity for survival and long-term recovery. We are proud to partner with the City of Burlington again this year to support the salamanders’ spring journey and protect biodiversity in our watershed.”
Links and Resources
Learn more about the Jefferson salamander
Learn more about Conservation Halton
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