Eastern ribbonsnake in the Atlantic (Thamnophis sauritus) recovery strategy: chapter 8

8. Effects on other species

Overall, it is anticipated that the approaches outlined in this recovery strategy will have a beneficial impact on non-target species (other species at risk and those not at risk), ecological processes, and the environment.

Management is likely to include protection of wetland habitat. This has the potential to benefit many wetland species, including some that are at risk. In Nova Scotia, the distribution and habitats of ribbonsnakes overlap considerably with that of the Endangered Blanding’s turtle (COSEWIC 2005). There are also a number of Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora species at risk that occur in similar wetlands. There are examples, such as the red root, where the habitats of Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora species overlap with those of eastern ribbonsnakes. Where other species at risk coexist with ribbonsnakes, recovery and conservation initiatives outlined in this strategy will be coordinated with other recovery teams. It will ensure that actions are mutually beneficial and not detrimental to other species at risk.

Stewardship actions, educational programs and awareness initiatives with landowners, Aboriginal organizations, and the general public; all levels of government; industry; and other audiences; will lead to increased understanding, appreciation of, and concrete action towards the conservation of wetlands and the recovery of species at risk in general. In particular, the development of a best practices guide for landowners with species at risk on their property will help encourage stewardship of species at risk on private lands and inform landowners of ways to minimize their impacts on these species.

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