NOT KNOWING YOUR LIMITS: Exploring Species on the Edge of their Range

Manitoba is the northern and western limit for many species as southern and eastern faunal elements hit their ecological limits against the boreal forest and prairies. We will focus on the surprising recent discoveries of some species of amphibians in the Interlake and beyond, as well as the clash between American and Canadian toads taking place in the province. You will be given an introduction to the trials and tribulations of amphibian surveying in the hinterland, along with some of the biological questions surrounding species range limits. Such questions are especially relevant given the specter of global climate change. Time permitting, a brief introduction to the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas will be provided along with some of the first-year highlights of this five-year project, with particular examples pertinent to bird range limits.