New report on the chorus frog | A “unique” species on the verge of extinction

Recent data suggests that the smallest frog present in Quebec could actually be a unique species in the world. However, the chorus frog is on the verge of extinction, according to a report from the Ministry of the Environment unveiled on the sly on Wednesday.

The Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) discreetly published on Wednesday an important report on the viability of populations of the Western Chorus Frog in Quebec. The analysis concludes that almost half of the populations of this species “have already disappeared or are likely to become extinct.”

“At the time of publication of this report, less than a quarter of occurrences (of the chorus frog) would be able to persist in the medium term if conditions remained as they are,” writes biologist Philippe Lamarre, author of the document. MELCCFP. “The viability of the species on a provincial scale could, however, be underestimated due to the fact that almost a third of occurrences are insufficiently documented,” he adds.

According to Alain Branchaud, biologist and general director of the Society for Nature and Parks in Quebec (SNAP Quebec), the report is “an illustration of our collective failure to ensure the survival of this species.” Mr. Branchaud also believes that it is entirely possible that hope will disappear within 20 years, particularly in Montérégie.

“If Quebec continues to issue authorizations (to destroy wetlands) at the same rate, it could well take less than 20 years to see the hope disappear,” he adds.

A “unique” species?

New scientific data also suggests that the chorus frog in Quebec is in reality a unique species in the world. In a note sent on December 11 to the chorus frog recovery team, biologist Stephen Lougheed suggests that the small amphibian present in the province would indeed be “unique”.

In recent years, some analyzes have argued that the Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) present in Quebec was in reality a boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata), a species that is not threatened in Canada. Lawyers from different promoters also support this hypothesis. An opinion that Stephen Lougheed, who teaches biology at Queen’s University, does not share.

“Let me first say unequivocally that the Western Quebec Chorus Frog is not the Boreal Chorus Frog found in Western Canada. (…) This assertion by the developers’ lawyers is, in my opinion, totally absurd. These are not Pseudacris maculata Westerners. They are something entirely different and are unique,” ​​he wrote in his note of which The Press got a copy.

“As of yet, we have not published or submitted anything for publication, but in 2024 we will be able to publish several articles on the genomics and speciation of chorus frogs, including those from western Quebec », he adds.

“We have a responsibility to protect what could constitute a particular species, but we are rather in the process of sowing the conditions to create an environmental debt,” reacted Alain Branchaud upon reading Mr. Lougheed’s note.

Tommy Montpetit, for his part, points out that the Quebec government has not done much to protect the species over the last 20 years. The new MELCCFP report also indicates that chorus frog populations continued to decline even after Quebec designated it as a vulnerable species in 2001.

Value recognized 20 years ago

For several years, the Quebec Ministry of the Environment authorized the filling of numerous wetlands, knowing that they were home to populations of chorus frogs.

Documents obtained by The Press indicate that Quebec knew as early as 2003 the importance of the sector of Boulevard Béliveau, in Longueuil, where one of the largest populations of chorus frogs was found in the province.

In a letter dated March 20, 2003 addressed to the City of Longueuil, the Ministry of the Environment wrote: “Our ministry, as well as the FAPAQ (former Society of Wildlife and Parks), does not see favorably the filling of wetlands and the relocation of fragile and threatened species. »

In another letter dated April 14, 2003, the Ministry noted the quality of wetlands, affirming that they were “of significant ecological value”.

This did not prevent the authorities from concluding that “despite all the interest in these environments, we are ready to accept a request for authorization to allow you to carry out the work in the indicated sector” .

According to Alain Branchaud, Quebec should not allow the destruction of wetlands “nor any form of compensation” when they are home to threatened species.