Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Sand Dwellers, Species at Risk


Some sand dwelling creatures are slowly disappearing from the South Shore.

Sue Abbot of Bird Studies Canada says piping Plovers are at a species at risk as flooding, human recreation and development is damaging the creatures seaside habitats.

Abbott says the majority of the birds mate on South Shore beaches.

"This past year we had forty-nine pairs. Our population target is sixty pairs. So were just over ten pairs short of our target. It doesn't sound like alt but its actually quite a significant distance we have to go to reach our target," says Abbott.


Abbot says locals can protect piping plovers and their young by watching for signs, staying off the dry sand and keeping your dog on a leash.

You can also visit http://www.bsc-eoc.org/ if you'd like to get involved with local preservation efforts.