Book Review - The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, 2009 -2019 - Ontario Nature

 

     I recently received The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, 2009 - 2019, and have done little but pore through it since. It is an impressive document, and much needed.

     Atlases are critical in monitoring organisms in a particular area, and given the prevailing reality that so much flora and fauna is retreating in the face of habitat loss, pollution and other anthropogenic actions, they are more vital than ever before.

     Reptiles and amphibians are especially sensitive to even minor changes in their habitat and are seriously imperilled by increasing ambient temperatures. They provide a window into the wider world of human-induced threats right up to the real possibility of extinctions. 

      Congratulations are due to Ontario Nature for persevering with this work over such a long period and bringing it to fruition; not only congratulations but the deep appreciation of all who care about wild nature. We must all engage in the struggle to prevent its further decline at a very minimum, and hopefully to harness our collective energy to restore it.

     The species accounts are extremely well done with information on the conservation status, not only provincially, but federally and internationally. 

     Each species is accorded comprehensive treatment, including its appearance, biology, habitat, range and Atlas trends. Each account is enhanced by excellent pictures, and range maps depict the historical and present occurrence of species.

     This is very much the core of the work and it is extremely well done. Whether seasoned scientist or raw novice you will benefit from these pages, and they will perhaps spur you on to seek out unfamiliar species, and make ongoing contributions to our collective repository of knowledge. Online platforms such as iNaturalist are user-friendly and play a vital role in the acquisition and retention of knowledge about all species.

     It is an old cliché that knowledge is everything, but it is perhaps truer today than ever before. It forms the basis of future action in the never-ending quest to protect and nurture biodiversity. It's tough to know how to help species when you know nothing about them.

     There is no justification for complacency about any species, even those we view as common. All are under threat; loss of critical habitat due to draining wetlands, highway construction, housing and industrial development has the potential to transform a common or abundant species from numerous to scarce almost overnight. 

      A work of this scope and complexity would not be possible without the contribution of citizen scientists, and to everyone who has slogged through swamps swatting mosquitoes, who has given up an extra hour's sleep to take part in a survey, to those who have committed more time and energy than it is reasonable to expect, we owe an enormous vote of thanks.

     Long may your dedication live on. Some might say you are the unsung heroes, but let me assure you that you are not. Your praise is shouted loud and clear from the highest hill to the lowest valley, and even those who will never know you are forever in your debt.

     The impact of this Atlas is far-reaching and permanent. It sets the stage for future action by a committed populace and forms the bedrock for environmental remediation, stewardship and a respect for all organisms on this planet we share with our fellow creatures in this wonderful web of life.

     Thank you again Ontario Nature and the legion of scientists and volunteers who have brought this significant work to fruition. We all salute you!

The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas - 2009-2019 - Ontario Nature

Hardcover - 443 pages - ISBN: 978-1896059-37-2

Published May 2024