$8.2 Million investment to protect Western Chorus Frog in Outaouais

Tashi Farmilo

In a crucial step to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Outaouais region, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced an $8.2 million investment aimed at safeguarding the Western Chorus Frog, a species increasingly under threat. This announcement, timed just before Canadian Environment Week 2024, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

The Outaouais region, with its rich biodiversity, has become a focal point for conservation efforts. The Western Chorus Frog, a small yet vital amphibian, has seen its habitat shrink by 30 percent in this area due to urban sprawl and agricultural expansion. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Ducks Unlimited Canada utilised part of the federal investment to secure over 10 hectares of critical habitat in the Outaouais. This land acquisition is part of a broader initiative that has successfully protected more than 42 hectares in the region since the project’s inception in 2022.

The conservation work in the Outaouais goes beyond merely protecting the Western Chorus Frog. These efforts aim to preserve the integrity of wetlands, which play a pivotal role in water filtration, carbon sequestration, and providing habitat for a multitude of species. The interconnected nature of these ecosystems means that the benefits of protecting the frog’s habitat extend to the broader environmental health of the region.

Minister Guilbeault highlighted the collaborative nature of these conservation efforts, noting that the partnership between government bodies, Nature-Action Québec, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Ducks Unlimited Canada has been instrumental in achieving these milestones. He stated, “Collaboration is key to conservation, and we must work together if we want to ensure the protection and recovery of species at risk like the Western Chorus Frog. Our government is committed to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 and putting nature on the path to recovery by 2050.”

Pascal Bigras, Executive Director of Nature-Action Québec, expressed his gratitude for the support, indicating the long-term commitment to protecting the frog’s habitat. “Nature-Action Québec can rely on an exceptional partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada to accelerate conservation and restoration measures to promote the recovery of the Western Chorus Frog,” Bigras said.

Mélanie Deslongchamps, Manager of Provincial Operations in Quebec for Ducks Unlimited Canada, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the broader impact of these efforts. “The Ducks Unlimited Canada team is proud to have helped save critical habitat patches for the Western Chorus Frog. Because everything is connected in the world of conservation, every action counts,” she remarked.

The concerted efforts in the Outaouais region are a testament to the power of collaboration in conservation. As these protected areas expand, they offer a glimmer of hope for the Western Chorus Frog and the myriad of other species that depend on these vital habitats.

Photo caption: A $8.2 million investment announced by Environment and Climate Change Canada is focused on protecting the Western Chorus Frog’s critical habitat in Quebec’s Outaouais region, highlighting significant collaborative conservation efforts.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Government of Canada