Thank you for providing an…

Thank you for providing an opportunity to review these Government Response Statement (GRS). These comments represent the official submission of our organization, a collection of amphibian and reptile biologists, and conservation professionals.
(1) Jefferson Salamander and the Unisexual Ambystoma (Jefferson Salamander dependent population)
This response statement is well written and addresses the major threats that the Jefferson Salamander and the Unisexual Ambystoma (Jefferson Salamander dependent population) face in Ontario.
These salamanders face significant threats and as the GRS states, the Jefferson Salamander has likely declined by more than 90% in Ontario. As such we fully support the proposed recovery goal “to ensure long-term viability and persistence of the extant distribution, and to support the expansion of the species’ range to include historically-occupied areas in Ontario.”
We agree with the various high priority actions identified in the GRS. Continued strong protection for the habitat of these species is critically important, given the amount of habitat loss. No additional loss of their habitat should be permitted. We would also suggest that item 9 (line 290) should also be a high priority as habitat enhancement and restoration are likely required for the long term survival of these species in Ontario.
(2) Small-mouthed Salamander and the Unisexual Ambystoma (Small-mouthed Salamander dependent population)
This response statement is well written and addresses the major threats that the Small-mouthed Salamander and the Unisexual Ambystoma (Small-mouthed Salamander dependent population) face in Ontario.
These salamanders face significant threats and are limited to only a few sites on Pelee Island. As such we fully support the proposed recovery goal “to ensure long-term viability and persistence f the Ontario populations.”
We agree with the various high priority actions identified in the GRS. Continued strong protection for the habitat of these salamanders is critically important, given the amount of habitat loss. No additional loss of their habitat should be permitted. We also suggest that action 8, research on habitat use, should be a high priority since habitat protection, particularly of terrestrial habitat, may be limited without a better understanding of habitat use.
We look forward to seeing the final version of these GRS which maintain the strong support for recovery of these species.