by Claire Morin | 22 March 2023
Bats play a significant ecological role as a natural insect control. Unfortunately, they have become increasingly rare since the appearance of a devastating fungal infection in 2010. Bat maternity colonies, which are sometimes located in people’s homes, are essential for the species’ survival.
Preserving the maternity colonies or resorting to methods that safely exclude bats by intervening at the right time of the year, is an invaluable gesture to protect bats.
This guide provides the recommendations to follow to intervene safely when it is necessary to remove bats from a building.
by Claire Morin | 15 March 2023
La rainette faux-grillon de l’Ouest (RFGO), Pseudacris triseriata, a obtenu le statut d’espèce vulnérable en 2001 selon la Loi sur les espèces menacées ou vulnérables du Québec (L.R.L.Q., E-12.01, r. 2). Le suivi des populations Since 2015, studies in the Montérégie region have focused on different characteristics of the western chorus frog’s habitat to determine the parameters to be used to facilitate its restoration and development. The purpose of this document is to make current knowledge and techniques available for the development of western chorus frog habitats. The optimal landscape occupied by the western chorus frog consists of 30% wetlands, mostly open areas, and up to 25% wooded areas. The hydrology of the temporary wetland habitats used by the western chorus frog for breeding has intrinsic variability correlated with the nature of the watershed and the amount of precipitation. A breeding habitat for larval development must reach a hydroperiod of 60 to 100 days and have direct sun exposure from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The choice of location and an assessment of hydrological characteristics are therefore essential. Knowledge of the receiving environment, its geomorphological characteristics and water quality is essential for successful developments.
by Claire Morin | 27 February 2023
An aerial survey of moose in hunting Zone 17 showed a 35% decline since 2009. The number of moose was estimated at 1036 (±16%; α = 0.1), or a density of 0.52 moose/10 km2. Reduction in habitat quality over the past decade would not limit the growth in moose numbers. The low ratio of 27 males/100 females is unprecedented. The highly selective hunt conducted since 1996 has become unsustainable. However, the increase in the proportion of females increases the resilience potential of this population. Nevertheless, the low ratio of 30 calves/100 females indicates a recruitment problem in Zone 17. The increase in adult mortality is more likely to be caused by overharvesting by hunting than by wolf predation. Inadequate monitoring of the Indigenous harvesting would underestimate its effect on the moose population. Speculation on the causes of mortality limits interpretation of the proportions attributable to hunting and predation. The Zone 17 ecosystem would still be favourable to growing moose numbers in a context of sustainable hunting management.
by Marie-Claude Boileau | 2 February 2023
This brochure intended for trappers updates the brochure produced in 2014, which sought to reduce the impact on birds of prey of accidental trapping, especially golden eagles and bald eagles.
It makes recommendations on how to avoid accidentally trapping birds of prey in trapping implements, including an appropriate bait holder and the safe disposal of snares. This practical guide also indicates the procedure to follow when birds are captured.
by Marie-Claude Boileau | 25 March 2022
Order made under the Quebec Fishery Regulations (1990) which modifies the content of this Regulation with regard to the periods, quotas, fishing gear and methods and the length or weight limits for fish applicable to the sport fishing for an area or part of it.
