Located south of Montréal, it’s one of the St. Lawrence’s fluvial lakes. Here, it’s shown from Île Saint-Bernard, in Châteauguay.
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Invaders
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Some exotic species spread and dominate the natural environments they colonize. They are called invasive species.
They are very harmful, threatening biodiversity by replacing the area’s native species.
This is true of the common reed or phragmite. This very aggressive grass grows quickly and tolerates greater salinity levels than other similar plants.
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Muskrat, an aquatic rodent
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Although they are related, muskrats and beavers are not the same. Beavers are twice the size.
The muskrat’s incisors are located in front of the lips, enabling it to gnaw on the cattail stems it loves underwater, without opening its mouth!
A muskrat can stay underwater for about 15 minutes by slowing down its heartbeat, thereby reducing its oxygen consumption.
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Common mudpuppy, a “cool” salamander
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Primarily nocturnal, this amphibian is the only one in Québec that retains its external gills for life. Located either side of its head, these gills form two reddish bunches that look like ostrich feathers.
This carnivorous salamander feeds mainly on crayfish, small fish, worms and insects.
Mudpuppies that reach adulthood can live as long as 30 years!
