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Winter 2026

Newsletter Archive
 

Waterton Salamander Crossing Study Complete

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Study by MRU student reveals how amphibian tunnels under Highway 5 are supporting a surprising diversity of wildlife.

Miistakis supported Mount Royal University Biology student, Alexa Storoziuk, to install and monitor camera traps specialized to detect ectotherms under Highway 5 in Waterton Lakes National Park. The cameras monitored tunnels that were purpose-built for a population of long-toed salamander. Her analysis of data from two field seasons confirmed long-toed salamander use but also documented over 20 species using the tunnels. Additional species documented using the tunnels include wandering garter snake, boreal toad, Columbian ground squirrel, long tailed weasel, American mink, and tiger salamander. Biodiversity metrics revealed consistently high species richness and evenness across tunnels, with one tunnel showing particularly high use, likely due to higher moisture levels that create favourable microhabitat conditions.

These findings reinforce the value of well-designed wildlife crossing infrastructure. While the tunnels were originally built to reduce road mortality for long-toed salamanders, the study demonstrates that they function as important connectivity features for many species. The research also highlights how tunnel design, placement, and environmental conditions—such as moisture and tunnel length—can influence wildlife use. At Miistakis, we are thrilled to use the findings and recommendations identified to refine best practices for future monitoring of small-animal crossings, with the goal of maintaining critical movement pathways across the landscape.

Thank you and congratulations to Alexa Storoziuk for completing this independent undergraduate research project, and Dr. Sara Smith from Mount Royal University for supervising. Special thanks to our project partner Waterton Lakes National Parks, and to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and The Alberta Reptile and Amphibian Society for supporting this conservation work.