COMMONAGE HABITAT PRESERVATION AREA
With the Commonage Preservation Alliance's appreciation of the natural beauty of the North and Central Okanagan, we have focused our attention on the dwindling grasslands. We have noticed a change in the landscape and attitude in the Okanagan over the last few decades. Population growth, golf resorts and retirement resort neighbourhoods seem to be the focus of development not economic stability. We started to work on ideas to curb this trend by compiling information on land ownership and attitudes toward their land and found disturbing results. With so much of the North and Central Okanagan’s unique grasslands being held in private hands, leaving it vulnerable to development instead of preserving its natural state. We are seeking out like minded people to help. If we don’t protect these last remaining natural grasslands, all the historic value of this amazing valley will be gone and forgotten.
https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/acat/documents/r4159/wha_4477_rpt_1149095902327_eb94b0d2ace348668725ad272a341dc2.pdf |
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SPECIES AT RISK in the Commonage
Badger (Red-listed)
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/badger.pdf
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/badger.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The Badger is at risk in British Columbia because the amount of suitable habitat is small and has been adversely affected by human activity. Key areas of low elevation grasslands and open pine or fir forests have been lost. The small British Columbia population is vulnerable to regional and provincial extirpation. This burrowing mammal may play an important role controlling rodents that cause pasture or cropland damage. The continued survival of Badger populations in British Columbia requires establishment of protected areas, responsible stewardship of ranges used for cattle grazing, appropriate forest management practices, a reduction in the use of rodenticides and an increased understanding of this interesting animal.
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/badger.pdf
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/badger.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The Badger is at risk in British Columbia because the amount of suitable habitat is small and has been adversely affected by human activity. Key areas of low elevation grasslands and open pine or fir forests have been lost. The small British Columbia population is vulnerable to regional and provincial extirpation. This burrowing mammal may play an important role controlling rodents that cause pasture or cropland damage. The continued survival of Badger populations in British Columbia requires establishment of protected areas, responsible stewardship of ranges used for cattle grazing, appropriate forest management practices, a reduction in the use of rodenticides and an increased understanding of this interesting animal.
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Painted Turtle (Blue Listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/turtle.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The Painted Turtle requires wetlands, ponds or similar small bodies of water for hiding and foraging, adjacent to upland areas with dry, light-textured soils for nesting. Unfortunately, within its limited British Columbia range, the Painted Turtle is threatened by alteration or destruction of this important habitat. Wetlands and ponds are drained, filled and modified to meet human needs. Landowners can assist the continued survival of British Columbia's only native freshwater turtle by taking care to avoid disturbing turtles and protecting known breeding locations on their property.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/turtle.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The Painted Turtle requires wetlands, ponds or similar small bodies of water for hiding and foraging, adjacent to upland areas with dry, light-textured soils for nesting. Unfortunately, within its limited British Columbia range, the Painted Turtle is threatened by alteration or destruction of this important habitat. Wetlands and ponds are drained, filled and modified to meet human needs. Landowners can assist the continued survival of British Columbia's only native freshwater turtle by taking care to avoid disturbing turtles and protecting known breeding locations on their property.
Western Rattlesnake (Blue Listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/rattlesnake.html
BC Ministry of Environment
In British Columbia, the small population of Western Rattlesnakes is restricted to the dry valleys of the Southern Interior. Their exaggerated reputation for danger has resulted in needless killing of rattlesnakes, drastically reducing some local populations. Agricultural development and urban expansion have also destroyed rattlesnake dens and foraging areas.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/rattlesnake.html
BC Ministry of Environment
In British Columbia, the small population of Western Rattlesnakes is restricted to the dry valleys of the Southern Interior. Their exaggerated reputation for danger has resulted in needless killing of rattlesnakes, drastically reducing some local populations. Agricultural development and urban expansion have also destroyed rattlesnake dens and foraging areas.
Gopher Snake (Blue Listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/gopher_snake.html
BC Ministry of Environment
In British Columbia, the small population of Gopher Snakes is found primarily in the dry valleys of the southern portion of the province. Human development has encroached on many portions of the range of Gopher Snakes and has undoubtedly caused population declines. These snakes may have an important role in agricultural areas where rodents can cause crop damage. Gopher Snakes are protected under the British Columbia Wildlife Act. However, these creatures are vulnerable to needless killing by humans because of their similar appearance to the Western Rattlesnake. The most significant threat to Gopher Snake populations continues to be rapid habitat change as a result of human activities.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/gopher_snake.html
BC Ministry of Environment
In British Columbia, the small population of Gopher Snakes is found primarily in the dry valleys of the southern portion of the province. Human development has encroached on many portions of the range of Gopher Snakes and has undoubtedly caused population declines. These snakes may have an important role in agricultural areas where rodents can cause crop damage. Gopher Snakes are protected under the British Columbia Wildlife Act. However, these creatures are vulnerable to needless killing by humans because of their similar appearance to the Western Rattlesnake. The most significant threat to Gopher Snake populations continues to be rapid habitat change as a result of human activities.
Grasshopper Sparrow (Red-listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/grasshopper.html
BC Ministry of Environment
This secretive bird occurs in British Columbia in very low numbers in dry grassland habitats that are being lost to agriculture and urban development. The remaining bunchgrass rangelands must be properly managed and maintained to provide the habitat these birds require. Improving the condition of rangeland to provide tall, healthy bunchgrasses and low shrub density should be a priority for habitat preservation.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/grasshopper.html
BC Ministry of Environment
This secretive bird occurs in British Columbia in very low numbers in dry grassland habitats that are being lost to agriculture and urban development. The remaining bunchgrass rangelands must be properly managed and maintained to provide the habitat these birds require. Improving the condition of rangeland to provide tall, healthy bunchgrasses and low shrub density should be a priority for habitat preservation.
Great Basin Spadefoot Toad (Blue Listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/spadefoot.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The Great Basin Spadefoot Toad is at risk in British Columbia because of its restricted distribution, its dependence on specialized habitats of temporary pools of water in dry regions, and loss of wetland breeding habitat and grassland foraging habitat to urbanization and intensive agriculture. Spadefoots typically breed in small ponds that may dry up by summer. Increased human and agricultural use is presumably responsible for a reduced water table which impacts this specialized toad habitat. While it is protected from capture or killing under the British Columbia Wildlife Act, its habitat remains unprotected. Landowners can help to ensure the continued survival of this amphibian by fencing breeding ponds, stopping stocking of lakes and ponds with game fish, and retaining wetlands and the natural vegetation around them.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/spadefoot.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The Great Basin Spadefoot Toad is at risk in British Columbia because of its restricted distribution, its dependence on specialized habitats of temporary pools of water in dry regions, and loss of wetland breeding habitat and grassland foraging habitat to urbanization and intensive agriculture. Spadefoots typically breed in small ponds that may dry up by summer. Increased human and agricultural use is presumably responsible for a reduced water table which impacts this specialized toad habitat. While it is protected from capture or killing under the British Columbia Wildlife Act, its habitat remains unprotected. Landowners can help to ensure the continued survival of this amphibian by fencing breeding ponds, stopping stocking of lakes and ponds with game fish, and retaining wetlands and the natural vegetation around them.
Long Billed Curlew (Blue Listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/curlew.html
BC Ministry of Environment
It is believed that there are only a few hundred breeding pairs of Long-billed Curlews in British Columbia. Prior to legal protection in early 1900s, Long-billed Curlews were decimated by hunters in eastern North America, and were eliminated from many parts of their range by expansion of agriculture on the plains and prairies in the 1930s. The Long-billed Curlew has already disappeared from most parts of eastern Canada and United States. Landowners can help curlews by avoiding known nest sites and delaying harvesting of agricultural fields until late June when the breeding season is over.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/curlew.html
BC Ministry of Environment
It is believed that there are only a few hundred breeding pairs of Long-billed Curlews in British Columbia. Prior to legal protection in early 1900s, Long-billed Curlews were decimated by hunters in eastern North America, and were eliminated from many parts of their range by expansion of agriculture on the plains and prairies in the 1930s. The Long-billed Curlew has already disappeared from most parts of eastern Canada and United States. Landowners can help curlews by avoiding known nest sites and delaying harvesting of agricultural fields until late June when the breeding season is over.
Spotted Bat (Blue-Listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/spotted_bat.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The Canadian population of Spotted Bats appears to have remained at a relatively constant but low level for the past five years. The Spotted Bat is considered to be one of the rarest North American bats. This extremely shy creature roosts in cliffs, where it is very sensitive to human disturbance. Recognizing the rarity and vulnerability of this bat has resulted in its provincial and national designation as vulnerable. While Spotted Bats are known to be active in the Okanagan from late April until October, it is not known if they overwinter in British Columbia.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/spotted_bat.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The Canadian population of Spotted Bats appears to have remained at a relatively constant but low level for the past five years. The Spotted Bat is considered to be one of the rarest North American bats. This extremely shy creature roosts in cliffs, where it is very sensitive to human disturbance. Recognizing the rarity and vulnerability of this bat has resulted in its provincial and national designation as vulnerable. While Spotted Bats are known to be active in the Okanagan from late April until October, it is not known if they overwinter in British Columbia.
Swainson’s Hawk (Red-listed)
In British Columbia, loss of grassland habitat to urban sprawl and agriculture, as well as current pesticide control which reduce prey abundance have been attributed to population declines (Cannings et al. 1987). Forest encroachment into grasslands (a result of fire suppression) is also a threat.
In British Columbia, loss of grassland habitat to urban sprawl and agriculture, as well as current pesticide control which reduce prey abundance have been attributed to population declines (Cannings et al. 1987). Forest encroachment into grasslands (a result of fire suppression) is also a threat.
Western Screech Owl (Red-listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/screech.html
BC Ministry of Environment
In British Columbia's dry Southern Interior, Western Screech-Owls are restricted to the moist woodlands along streams and lakes. This species is at risk because of its small provincial population size and loss of breeding and foraging habitat. Landowners living in or near suitable screech-owl habitat can assist these birds by protecting remaining riparian habitats, retaining large, standing dead trees and constructing nest boxes. Further studies are required to determine the Western Screech-Owl's population density, habitat use and home range size.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/screech.html
BC Ministry of Environment
In British Columbia's dry Southern Interior, Western Screech-Owls are restricted to the moist woodlands along streams and lakes. This species is at risk because of its small provincial population size and loss of breeding and foraging habitat. Landowners living in or near suitable screech-owl habitat can assist these birds by protecting remaining riparian habitats, retaining large, standing dead trees and constructing nest boxes. Further studies are required to determine the Western Screech-Owl's population density, habitat use and home range size.
Yellow-Breasted Chat (Red-listed)
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/chat.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The once common Yellow-breasted Chat is now extremely rare. In British Columbia, the chat breeds only in the South Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Its repeated whistles, chatters and squawks are sometimes heard emanating from thick tangles of brush in riparian areas. These large warblers are in danger of becoming extirpated in British Columbia because of habitat loss. Landowners can assist the continued survival of remaining Yellow-breasted Chat populations by maintaining and enhancing riparian habitat to provide the dense, tangled shrub growth favoured by chats. Livestock should be carefully managed in riparian areas or excluded by fencing to prevent trampling of the understory and erosion of streambanks.
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/okanagan/esd/atlas/species/chat.html
BC Ministry of Environment
The once common Yellow-breasted Chat is now extremely rare. In British Columbia, the chat breeds only in the South Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Its repeated whistles, chatters and squawks are sometimes heard emanating from thick tangles of brush in riparian areas. These large warblers are in danger of becoming extirpated in British Columbia because of habitat loss. Landowners can assist the continued survival of remaining Yellow-breasted Chat populations by maintaining and enhancing riparian habitat to provide the dense, tangled shrub growth favoured by chats. Livestock should be carefully managed in riparian areas or excluded by fencing to prevent trampling of the understory and erosion of streambanks.
OTHER ANIMALS THAT LIVE IN THE COMMONAGE
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