Salamander crossings stave off unnecessary squishing

Four miniature tunnels have been built in a national park south of Calgary to save hundreds of migrating salamanders from being squashed to death by traffic.

The special underpasses open this week in Waterton Lakes National Park, about 270 kilometres south of Calgary, to allow long-toed salamanders to safely cross a busy roadway as they migrate to and from Linnet Lake.

The amphibian tunnels — a first for Canada's national parks — are a miniature version of the underpasses and overpasses Parks Canada already uses to help wildlife, including bears, wolves and elk, safely cross highways.

The last population estimate in 2001 put the amphibians' numbers at about 400, down from an estimated 3,500 in 1994, said Parks Canada.

The nocturnal long-toed salamander, which has a bright yellow stripe and an extra long fourth toe on its hind feet, measures about 13 centimetres long and weighs about six grams.

Though small, the salamanders are a top predator in their ecosystem, said Smith.

The amphibian project will cost $284,000, including construction and a two-year research project to monitor the salamanders' movements and population.