Wildlife Preservation Canada
Eastern Massasauga Recovery: Combating major threats and increasing the likelihood of success of future recovery efforts
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)
Project Title: Eastern Massasauga Recovery: Combating major threats and increasing the likelihood of success of future recovery efforts
Funding Recipient: Wildlife Preservation Canada
Funding Awarded: $25,000
Project Partners: Ontario Nature, Toronto Zoo and Little Rays Nature Centre, OPRREC Working Group member organizations
Targeted Species at Risk: Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)
Project Status: Completed (2021-2023)
The Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery Program (OPRREC) aimed to recover the Eastern Massasaugas subpopulation in the Ojibway Prairie Complex and Greater Park Ecosystem while benefiting other Species at Risk (SAR) reptiles and plants. In 2023, notable achievements included conducting surveys that resulted in over 640 snake observations, implementing habitat enhancements, maintaining snake barrier fencing, advocating for expanded habitat protection, and securing permission for conservation translocations with Massasaugas in 2024. Activities involved surveys for various snake species, invasive species control, road mortality mitigation, and participation in public consultations for the proposed Ojibway National Urban Park. The program also engaged in media outreach, experimental translocation trials, and habitat remediation efforts. The comprehensive approach included increasing knowledge, enhancing habitats, reducing threats, raising awareness, and collaborating with partners for captive breeding and population management, with a focus on preserving Indigenous snake-related Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Achievements were highlighted in the annual report summary as well as ongoing efforts to support the recovery of Massasaugas and SAR reptiles at Ojibway Prairie.
The final project report outlined various activities and initiatives related to the conservation and management of Massasauga rattlesnakes, a species facing endangerment. The project covered a range of topics, including captive breeding efforts, soft release programs, hibernation studies, and the exploration of Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Specific achievements included successful hibernation of Massasaugas, progress in snake translocation research, and ongoing efforts to engage with Indigenous communities. Challenges, such as road mortality and temporary housing facility issues, were discussed, along with opportunities for effective release site selection, monitoring, and public outreach. Overall, the project emphasized the team’s dedication to improving the conservation status of Massasauga rattlesnakes through a combination of scientific research, habitat enhancement, and community involvement.
For more information about the ‘Eastern Massasauga Recovery: Combating major threats and increasing the likelihood of success of future recovery efforts’, please visit the links below.
Wildlife Preservation Canada website
Ontario Nature website
Toronto Zoo website
Little Rays Nature Centre website
OPRREC project page