Herpetofauna

Herpetofauna includes two groups of vertebrate animals: amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders, etc.) and reptiles (turtles, lizards, snakes, etc.).

These animal groups are still relatively understudied. Yet, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. In particular, they help control populations of biting or pest insects and also serve as important prey for many birds and carnivorous mammals.

Amphibians and reptiles are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat. For this reason, they can tell us a great deal about the health of an ecosystem such as a forest, a lake, or a stream. Our scientists pay special attention to them during ecological monitoring and refer to them as “umbrella species.”

A snapshot of the park’s herpetofauna

In 2022, the park’s natural resource conservation team compiled a profile of the amphibians and reptiles observed within the park.

What this profile does:

• lists the species of amphibians and reptiles present;
• identifies the best breeding and egg-laying sites for each species;
• shows how populations are distributed throughout the park;
• assesses the abundance of each species.

Species recorded

Based on 2022 observations, the park is home to nine species of amphibians and reptiles.

From most common to rarest:

Of the reptiles, only the Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) was recorded during the study.

An unexpected visitor?

In September 2025, a hiker photographed an animal that had previously gone unnoticed by our researchers: a Northern Ring‑necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii). Found mainly in southern Quebec, this small reptile was well outside its natural range. The three individuals observed by the hiker were small, measuring less than 25 cm. As its name suggests, the Northern Ring‑necked Snake can be identified by its pale yellow ring, which contrasts with its uniform dark grey or bluish back. Like the Common Garter Snake, it is non‑venomous.

If you see an animal, insect, or plant that piques your curiosity, please share your observation with a staff member or by using the iNaturalist mobile app. This information is extremely valuable to us.

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A discreet research project

Generally small, often hidden, nocturnal, and discreet, amphibians and reptiles present certain challenges for researchers. It is difficult to accurately determine which species are present in a given area, their abundance, or their population trends. However, by diversifying their methods, our scientists can collect reliable data.

Salamanders and newts are particularly hard to spot. These amphibians require active field surveys. Researchers must carefully scan the ground, gently lift rocks, and examine fallen logs in forests and streams. Artificial shelters made from pine boards have also been installed along streams to recreate microhabitats suitable for salamanders.

Researchers record animals encountered by chance during sunny days as well as on rainy nights. They count amphibians and reptiles observed along trails, forest roads, and park boundary roads, including cases of road mortality.

A musical ear

For frogs, toads, and tree frogs, researchers rely on active listening. These animals are especially vocal in spring during the breeding season, when their calls can carry for metres. Researchers follow listening routes, making short stops with their recorders from evening until nightfall. In addition to listening routes, recording devices may also be installed at more remote sites for several days. Back at the office, researchers listen to each call and match it to the correct species. A good ear is required: the Green Frog’s call sounds a bit like a plucked string or a loose spring, while the American Toad produces a long, low, raspy trill often described as a monotone drone. These listening routes are almost like a concert tour!

Popular sites

In general, the amphibians recorded prefer still water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. They also frequent slow‑moving streams and their surroundings.

In the park, three areas stand out for the number of species observed:

• the beaver pond area in the eastern part of the park;
• the L’Anse‑au‑Griffon Valley in the north‑central section;
• the Lac‑au‑Renard area in the western part of the park.

Observing herpetofauna

Few in number, small, and usually hidden, amphibians and reptiles are not as easy to observe as birds, for example.

You might nevertheless come across a Common Garter Snake basking in the sun along a trail, or, if you are walking near a pond on a rainy day, you might be lucky enough to spot a Spotted Salamander on the move.

More spectacular still, the chorus of frogs during the breeding season is hard to miss. Most active at dusk in early summer, these frogs, peeper, and toads call vigorously around water bodies along the Le Portage or Le Castor trails. These areas are open to the public.

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