In spring 2008, the Alberta government installed tunnels under the road into Waterton. Fences were built to direct the salamanders into the tunnels. Holes in the top allow air, moisture and light inside. These “amphibian underpasses” are not only used by long-toed salamanders. Motion-activated cameras have photographed many animals in the tunnels, including western toads, red-sided garter snakes, tiger salamanders—and even rabbits!
Researchers continue to study this threatened population of salamanders within Waterton Lakes National Park. The salamanders are measured and marked. This information will help researchers estimate their population and track their movements so the salamander habitat can be properly protected.
Why all this fuss over such a tiny creature? Salamanders and other amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental changes. They absorb water and air through their skin, which means other chemicals, like chlorine and salt, can be absorbed as well. If scientists discover something wrong with a population of amphibians, there is probably something wrong with the environment. Finding these problems early can help scientists protect the environment as well as the animals and humans in it.