Amphibians

Frogs, Salamanders and Toads play a vital role in our ecosystem. Road traffic, habitat fragmentation, pollution and introduced species are putting them in danger.

Thompson Rivers University B.C. Amphibians Webpage

Frogs, toads and salamanders have terrible road sense. Help us find out where they like to cross.

Road crossings can be a major threat to many amphibians, particularly where roads and wetlands meet. Where roads intersect amphibian foraging habitat (often the forest in the Pacific Northwest) and their breeding habitat (wetlands), then amphibians will need to cross the road.

Unfortunately, frogs, toads, and salamanders are not known for their road sense, and far too many are crushed underneath car tires.

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Results of 2015 Survey on Amphibian Crossings

In the spring of 2020, HAT biologists with help from volunteers have counted hundreds of dead frogs and salamanders on local roads (maps below). Most were Pacific Treefrogs and Rough-skinned Newts, but five other species were also encountered.

Hotspot 1: On West Saanich Rd: 369 dead amphibians mostly Pacific Treefrogs, were counted during one evening survey.
Hotspot 2: Prospect Lake Rd: 84 dead and 34 live Treefrogs were counted during one evening survey.

You can help HAT identify other Hotspots for amphibian roadkill by reporting sites where you have seen frogs or salamanders crossing roads. While the main thrust of the surveys is in spring, we also plan to collect some information in summer. We may be calling on volunteers in the near future and, for example, assign them to a particular road or sections of roads to survey. Email if you would like to participate.

Below are maps highlighting survey areas where amphibians have been found on roads. Please watch carefully for crossing amphibians if you are driving in these areas. Hotspots for major crossings include: