Joloe Mojica

Joloe’s project focused on the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle populations in Ontario and Michigan, which are experiencing threats that have deteriorated water quality and, subsequently, their habitat (U.S Fish and Wildlife Services 2021). These threats include intense stream modification, ongoing industrial development, insufficient agricultural practices, invasive species, and a lack of public awareness (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020). The possibility of being unable to prevent future development, hydrological modification, and further deterioration of water quality will render the species distribution and population size too small to be recovered (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020). Collaboration is an important step in most recovery measures since private landowners can agree to have wetland conservation easements on their property (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020), and they can help monitor the habitat of the water beetle. Before the species becomes extinct or extirpated, funding must go towards Environment and Climate Change Canada to understand Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle population trends, resilience, and distributions across Ontario (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020). Although considered an uncharismatic species, there is still a responsibility to support the recovery of these beetles.

Land Acknowledgment

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we recognize all Nations who live, work and play on this land and honour and celebrate this territory.