South of Shawinigan, a legend becomes reality: The four-toed salamander found in the Lac-à-la-Tortue bog
Four-toed salamander (Photo by Brian Gratwicke)
In the heart of Quebec’s Lac-à-la-Tortue bog, near Saint-Georges, an amphibian has been found, spawning enthusiasm among researchers and nature lovers. The identification of a four-toed salamander in the area now confirms suspicions about its presence in the southern Shawinigan region.
A highly anticipated discovery
The discovery of the presence of four-toed salamanders in the area is nothing less than a legend becoming reality. Its presence in the bog had long been suspected because of the many habitats in which it could thrive. But no tangible evidence had been confirmed, until now.
The larvae of this salamander, which lives in forests, spend the first weeks of their life in water. Females lay their eggs on mounds of moss located near small ponds, enabling the larvae to slip into the water once they hatch. The fact that the female generally stays close to the nest until hatching makes it easier to detect well-hidden nests. In 2022, two females and their nests and one juvenile were discovered, confirming the presence of the four-toed salamander in the Lac-à-la-Tortue bog.
Richness and diversity
This discovery confirms the richness and diversity of the ecosystems of the Lac-à-la-Tortue bog. Protecting this salamander is now a priority to ensure its survival and protect the biodiversity of this unique region. Researchers and nature conservation organizations are stepping up their efforts to better understand the needs of the species and introduce appropriate conservation measures. The Lac-à-la-Tortue bog continues to reveal its secrets, and each new discovery brings us a little closer to caring for its fascinating species.
