Scientists find rare species in survey of Chignecto Isthmus

For wildlife that can't fly or swim, the only path between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is across the Chignecto Isthmus.

That's why it's important "to maintain the genetic integrity of populations of species that need it," says Sean Blaney, executive director and senior scientist at the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre.

This isthmus, a narrow strip of land that connects the two provinces, is the focus of a research project led by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. 

As part of that project, Blaney and a group of scientists at the centre recently surveyed the strip of land, documenting over 58 species of birds. They also identified 360 species of plants, 270 of which were native species and 90 exotic. 

"Larger patches of that nature are becoming rarer all the time in our region," said Blaney. 

The scientists work beforehand to find "critical zones," or areas that haven't been affected by people that wildlife is likely using to traverse the area. 

There are no trails and the terrain is rugged and swampy, said Blaney. 

The area that he covered was north of Scoudouc, between Shediac and Moncton. 

"I was surprised in a good way by the extent of higher quality forest," he said. 

"It can be a struggle to find more mature forest in larger patches in this region because it has a really long history of human occupation and quite intensive use for forestry and for other land uses that have converted the forest entirely."

He spotted rare bird species such as the eastern kingbird and Canada jays, and even an orchid listed in New Brunswick as endangered: the southern twayblade.

He said these patches of intact habitat on the isthmus are essential for animals. 

"It's quite important as one of the last quite intact zones within a real priority habitat corridor," he said.

Blaney will hand over his data to the Nature Conservancy, which will use it as part of the organization's conservation efforts, including working with local landowners to maintain natural areas.