(2018-2021) Gray Ratsnake Habitat Construction and Monitoring

EcoTec was retained by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation in order to conduct a research study which meets the requirements set out in an Endangered Species Act (ESA) Permit related to improvements to Highway 15 from 0.3km south of Big Hill Road northerly 23.6km to 1.07 km
south of Leeds and Grenville Road 42. The project requirements specific to gray ratsnakes
(Pantherophis spiloides) include establishing 15 thermoregulation sites and 15 egg-laying sites as well as maintaining and monitoring the success of the habitat creation sites.

Twelve stone and wood thermoregulation structures were built in 2018, as well as three clearing areas were established. All fifteen nesting sites were established in 2018. Monitoring in 2018 and 2019 revealed egg-laying by gray ratsnakes at the nesting sites as well as usage of the thermoregulation structures by gray ratsnakes and eastern garter snakes.