New Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) have been identified in British Columbia thanks to the presence of rare and threatened frogs.

The new designation identifies several sites in the Kootenays which contain critical habitats for some of the country’s most vulnerable amphibians, including the Northern Leopard Frog (Rocky Mountain population) and the Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog, as a nationally and globally significant hotspot for biodiversity.

Frogs are often seen as indicators of environmental health, and the KBA recognition underscores the importance of protecting these two species and the fragile ecosystems that they depend on:

• The Northern Leopard Frog (Rocky Mountain population), once widespread, has disappeared from most of its range in BC. Today, it is found in only one known native population in Canada, making its protection a conservation priority. This frog, famous for its dark, leopard-like spots and powerful jumps, relies on clean wetlands seasonal water fluctuations, and connected habitat corridors to survive​.
• The Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog is one of North America’s most ancient and unique amphibians. It diverged from other frog and toad lineages over 200 million years ago and has since evolved independently, alongside its close relative, the Coastal Tailed Frog. This species has an unusually long lifecycle, taking up to seven years to reach reproductive age, and is highly sensitive to changes in water quality, sedimentation, and climate. Its presence serves as a strong indicator of healthy stream ecosystems.

The newly identified Elmer Creek, Yahk-Gilnockie, and Flathead West KBAs, join previously recognized B.C. KBAs like Elder Creek, Creston Valley, Castle-Waterton-Akamina, Skookumchuck Prairie, and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it – Tobacco Plains, in strengthening efforts to protect freshwater and terrestrial habitats essential for biodiversity.

These sites provide refuge not only for frogs but also for White Sturgeon (Upper Kootenay River population), Lewis’s Woodpecker, and Spalding’s Campion – species that rely on the region’s diverse and unique ecosystems.

The KBAs are located within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation including member nations Yaq̓itʔa·knuqⱡi’it, Yaqan nuʔkiy and ʔaq̓am. The Sinixt peoples and Shuswap Band have a historic presence in parts of the region as well.

“KBAs are arising from a collaborative, comprehensive, and inclusive review process that offer tremendous opportunities for people to learn about the astonishing biodiversity richness that every province and territory in this large country harbours,” said Marc-Andre Beaucher of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. “The data and resources associated with KBAs provide invaluable information that will hopefully be used to make the right decisions when it comes to preserving the Canadian Natural Heritage for present and future generations.”

The KBA Canada program highlights sites that play an outsized role in maintaining globally and nationally significant biodiversity. To earn this designation, a site must meet strict scientific criteria. These include a site’s importance for rare or threatened species or ecosystems, seasonal concentrations of migratory animals, or being among the best examples of intact and healthy ecosystems.

The new Kootenay KBAs will help conservationists, landowners, and decision-makers prioritize protection efforts that benefit entire ecosystems in the region.

 “We hope that these new KBAs support conservation efforts and encourage everyone to appreciate the role of amphibians in healthy ecosystems. By safeguarding the places that matter most, we can ensure a future where both wildlife and healthy landscapes can thrive,” said Ian Adams of WCS Canada.

Richard Klafki of The Nature Conservancy of Canada added, “The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) Frog Bear Conservation Corridor, located within the Creston Valley KBA, aims to create a zone of safe passage for both northern leopard frogs and bears. The area also protects essential habitat for the many rare and important species that rely on the rich lowlands of the Creston Valley.

“The NCC applauds the KBA Programme as it aligns with our mission and values where science-based conservation is achieved through collaboration and cooperation so that together we can achieve conservation outcomes that benefit us all.”

Skookumchuck Prairie KBA caretaker Dianne Cooper noted: “Skookumchuck Prairie KBA is a good illustration of people being part of biodiversity.  A quarter of the KBA is privately owned but nature is only ever a step away in the grasslands, on Wasa Lake, or in the forests.  The sweeping backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and the ever-present Kootenay River meandering through the valley bottom re-enforces the connection to the whole, regardless of the season.

“Being anywhere in Skookumchuck Prairie KBA gives a sense of connection to nature and the importance of all the little pieces to each other.”

Lead image: Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog tadpole. Ian Adams photo

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