Atlantic Cod
Description
The Atlantic Cod is one of two species of cod off Canada's Atlantic Coast. It has a
generally spotted body, a leaden-silvery peritoneum with black dots, small eyes, a stout
caudal peduncle, and a lateral line that is paler in colour than the adjacent areas of the
body. Its average weight is 2.2 kg, but an individual of 90 kg has been reported.
Distribution and Population
The Atlantic Cod occurs on both sides of the North Atlantic. In the western part of the
range it occurs along the coast and on the continental shelves from Cape Hatteras (North
Carolina) to Davis Strait (between Baffin Island and Greenland), the Flemish Cape, and
the east coast of Greenland. There is an unknown number of independent populations of
the species, and evidence of recent extinctions of local stocks in Newfoundland and the
Gulf of Maine. The percentage of collapse of spawning biomass between the year of
calculated maximum spawning biomass (between 1956 to 1984 depending on the stock)
and 1992, when a moratorium on fishing took effect, is between 77% and 98.9% for the
following six major stocks within Canadian waters: Labrador-N.E. Newfoundland, S.
Grand Bank, Southern Newfoundland, Western Newfoundland, S. Gulf of St. Lawrence,
and E. Scotian Shelf. Some stocks have continued to decline since the moratorium.
Habitat
Cod are found in the waters of the continental shelves and slopes, inshore or offshore
depending on the season. Dense aggregations of foraging and spawning cod were found
at a depth of 350 m, but spawning usually occurs in shallower waters. Eggs, larvae and
adult Atlantic Cod have different trophic positions with associated variable habitat
requirements, but little is known about these.
Many hypotheses have been posed to account for the decline in cod stocks, but most
have not been tested and over-fishing appears to be the strongest. The decline has been
accompanied by the collapse of the populations’ age structures, earlier maturity, reduced
weights at age of maturity, contracted distributions, possibly restricted spawning
seasons, and reduced reproductive success. These factors have negative implications for
recovery and make the fish an easier target to catch. In addition, the decline may have
been augmented by some negative effects lower in the food chain, or in the general
environment, such as temperature changes, or habitat changes due to trawling. A large
number of cod smaller than commercial size may also be fished inadvertently by current
methods or by methods used for other species.
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Description
The Black-tailed Prairie Dog is a large burrow-dwelling squirrel that is yellowish in overall
colour with brown or reddish-brown upper parts and whitish under parts. Its tail is
relatively long and has a distinctive black tip. The Black-tailed Prairie Dog weighs
between 1.0 and 1.5 kilograms and is slightly smaller than a house cat (about 40 cm
long). A distinctive feature of the prairie dog is its territorial "jump-yip" display, in which
the animal stretches its body vertically and throws its forefeet high into the air as it
makes a bark-like call.
Distribution and Population
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs occur in the arid grasslands (both short- and mixed-grass
prairies) of the Great Plains of North America, from northern Chihuahua and Sonora,
Mexico to southern Saskatchewan. In Canada, they only occur in and near the
Frenchman River Valley in the very southern portion of Saskatchewan. There are no data
that directly describe population size or trends for this species in Canada, but there are
estimates of the area of grassland affected (or disturbed) by Black-tailed Prairie Dogs
(i.e. the total area of Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies in Canada). In 1995/1996, it was
estimated that the 22 known prairie dog colonies in Saskatchewan occupied 931.7
hectares. This represents a 36% increase in total grassland area affected by the species
since 1985, when 14 known colonies occupied an estimated 686.5 hectares. More
recently, species density counts have been carried out. The 1997 counts yielded an
average density of 3.6 adults and 12.6 juveniles per hectare.
Habitat
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs inhabit broad, flat river valleys and upland grasslands. Here
they establish large colonies, digging extensive burrows in the deep colluvial (rocky
material at the base of a slope) or alluvial soil (fine soil deposited by water) and building
large mounds. The vegetation in and around the colonies is often dominated by sage
(Artemesia) and wheat grass (Agropyron). The shorter vegetation of these areas helps
the species to more easily detect predators.
Threats
Canadian Black-tailed Prairie Dogs are particularly sensitive to human activities and
natural events because of their restricted distribution at the northern edge of the
species' range, and their apparent geographical isolation. Their social and colonial nature
makes them very susceptible to disease. In addition, Black-tailed Prairie Dog seasonal
activities and survival are likely constrained by climate. Grazing and disturbance of
grasslands by the species places it in conflict with cattle production. Finally, pest control
and social tolerance by humans are also concerns for the species.
Protection
The Black-tailed Prairie Dog is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies occur within Grasslands National Park, where they are
protected by the Canada National Parks Act. The Black-tailed Prairie Dog is also
protected by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act. Under this Act, it is prohibited to kill, harm,
or harass this species.
Monarch
Description
The adult Monarch is a bright orange butterfly with heavy black veins and a wide black
border containing two rows of white spots. The wingspan is about 10 cm. Males can be
distinguished from females by the presence of black coloured scent glands on each of
their hind wings. Monarchs can be distinguished from the smaller but similar Viceroy by
the absence of an inner margin of black on the hind wings. Monarch larvae or caterpillars
are striped yellow, black and white; they grow to about 5 cm in length.
Distribution and Population
The Monarch is widely distributed from Central America to southern Canada, and from
coast to coast. There are three populations of the Monarch: western, central, and
eastern. The eastern population of the Monarch is the largest of the three, and includes
all Monarchs that occur east of the Rocky Mountains, from the Gulf coast to southern
Canada, and from the Great Plain States and Prairie Provinces east to the Atlantic coast.
The entire population overwinters annually at approximately 12 sites in the Transverse
Neovolcanic Belt, a mountain range in central Mexico. The Monarchs arrive at these sites
between early November and late December, and form large aggregations of millions of
butterflies. Generally, they remain inactive throughout the winter. The mass of
butterflies breaks up in March and early April and the Monarchs begin their migration
north.
Habitat
Monarchs in Canada exist primarily wherever milkweed (Asclepius) and wildflowers (such
as Goldenrod, asters, and Purple Loosestrife) exist. This includes abandoned farmland,
along roadsides, and other open spaces where these plants grow. Monarch wintering
habitats include Eucalyptus trees along the Californian coast, and the Oyamel Fir forest
in central Mexico. The distribution of the Monarch has gradually shifted eastward over
the past century, due to a combination of clearing of deciduous forests in the eastern
USA and southeastern Canada, and loss of habitat to agricultural development in the
Great Plains.
Threats
Environmental conditions and loss of breeding habitat pose threats to all Monarchs.
However, there are population-specific threats as well. The eastern population of the
Monarch is limited by loss of habitat to logging, human disturbance, and predation,
especially while wintering in Mexico. Widespread and increasing use of herbicides in
North America is another significant threat, which kills both the milkweed needed by the
caterpillars and the nectar-producing wildflowers needed by the adults. Threats for the
western population include real estate development along the Californian coast, which
infringes on the wintering sites of the western population; programs to actively eliminate
the Eucalyptus trees (an exotic species); and a protozoan disease.
Protection
The Monarch is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Monarch
occurs in Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, where it is protected under the Canada
National Parks Act. Point Pelee, as well as Long Point and Prince Edward Point, are
designated as Monarch Butterfly Reserves.
Grey Fox
Description
The Grey Fox is a member of the dog family (Canidae) and is superficially very similar to
the familiar Red Fox. There are, however, a number of characteristics that can be used
to differentiate the Grey Fox from the Red. The Grey Fox has a shorter muzzle, shorter
legs, and more rounded footprints than the Red Fox. Most of its fur is a grizzled grey
colour, with cinnamon-coloured patches limited to parts of the neck, sides, and legs. A
prominent black stripe runs the length of the Grey Fox’s back down to, and including, the
tip of its tail.
Distribution and Population
The Grey Fox is generally found from southern Canada to northern Colombia and
Venezuela. In Canada, the populations of this primarily southern species are very small.
Currently, the Grey Fox is thought to be present in two regions within Canada: the Rainy
River District of Ontario (west of Lake Superior) into southeastern Manitoba, and from
southeastern Ontario (Windsor) to southwestern Quebec (Sherbrooke). Breeding has
only been confirmed in the second of these two regions; foxes observed in the former
region may be individuals that have come across the border with the United States and
are not breeding in Canada. No quantitative population study of the Grey Fox in Canada
has ever been published, which makes it impossible to estimate the number of
individuals present in this country. Grey Foxes were once abundant in eastern Canada,
but they disappeared 300 years ago, before the arrival of European settlers.
Habitat
Grey Foxes inhabit deciduous forests and marshes. They make their dens in many
different kinds of substrate (rock outcrops, hollow trees, underground burrows dug by
other animals, or piles of brush), but the dens are usually located in an area of dense
brush, fairly close to a water source. In spite of these habitat preferences, the species is
considered a habitat generalist and is often found on the outskirts of cities.
Threats
In Canada, few Grey Foxes are harvested, but the species reaches the northern limit of
its range here, and climate, especially harsh winters, may be a limiting factor. Diseases,
such as canine distemper and rabies, could be limiting in an outbreak situation.
Deforestation, which is occurring in the regions this species occupies, reduces the
availability of dense cover and the variety of habitats that the species requires, and
therefore may have a negative impact on the population. Neither predation (by eagles
and large carnivores) nor competition (with Red Foxes and Coyotes) is thought to have a
significant influence on population levels in Canada.
Protection
The Grey Fox is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Grey Fox is
not protected by provincial legislation in Manitoba or Ontario, but An Act Respecting the
Conservation and Development of Wildlife makes it illegal to kill Grey Foxes in Quebec.
The majority of Grey Fox habitat is likely on privately owned land, but the species is
known to occur in the Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve on Pelee Island, Ontario, and
is thought to be present in St. Lawrence Islands National Park, Ontario, and Whiteshell
Provincial Park, Manitoba.
Woodland Caribou
Description
Caribou, ancient members of the deer family (Cervidae), are one of Canada’s most
widely distributed large mammals. Caribou are unique among Cervids in that both sexes
have antlers; however, some females have only one antler or lack them altogether. The
Woodland Caribou’s coat is mostly brown in summer (more grey in winter), but the neck,
mane, shoulder stripe, underbelly, underside of the tail, and patch just above each hoof
are creamy white. The antlers of the Woodland Caribou are flattened, complex, and
compact relative to those of the Barren-ground Caribou.
Distribution and Population
Woodland Caribou occur in five of the eight National Ecological Areas recognized by
COSEWIC, and in all jurisdictions in Canada except Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince
Edward Island, and Nunavut. The Woodland Caribou Boreal population is the widest
ranging — they are found in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador — and
perhaps the least studied of the populations. Recent research efforts have increased the
number of known populations to more than 64, and this number is expected to rise
further as more individuals are radio-collared and distributions are delineated. Population
surveys prior to 2002 estimate there are 33 000 forest-dwelling caribou in the Boreal
population — 18% of the total for Canada. Numbers and trends for most local
populations across the Boreal National Ecological Area are poorly known: low densities of
caribou, large land area, and multiple jurisdictions make this task difficult.
Habitat
In winter, Woodland Caribou use mature and old-growth coniferous forests that contain
large quantities of terrestrial and arboreal (tree-inhabiting) lichens. These forests are
generally associated with marshes, bogs, lakes, and rivers. In summer, the caribou
occasionally feed in young stands, after fire or logging. The average interval for habitats
to return to their pre-fire state ranges from 40 to 80 years in the southern boreal forest
in Alberta and Saskatchewan to 200 to 350 years in British Columbia.
Threats
Habitat destruction, hunting, disturbance by humans (including construction of roads and
pipelines), and predation (by wolves, coyotes, and bears) have all contributed to the
decline of Woodland Caribou. In many parts of Woodland Caribou range, forestry
practices and the spread of agriculture and mining have resulted in the loss, alteration,
and fragmentation of important caribou habitat. Factors beyond our control, such as
weather and climate change, are also influential. One of the current challenges in caribou
management is to learn more about how these factors interact and how to decrease their
threat to Woodland Caribou populations.
Protection
The Woodland Caribou, Boreal population, is protected under the federal Species at Risk
Act (SARA). The Woodland Caribou Boreal population is found in numerous national
parks, where it is protected by the Canada National Parks Act. It is also protected by the
Newfoundland and Labrador Endangered Species Act, the Northwest Territories Wildlife
Act, the Alberta Wildlife Act, and the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Wood Bison
Description
The Wood Bison is the largest Canadian terrestrial mammal. It is dark brown, with a
massive head, a high hump on its large shoulders, and long shaggy hair on its shoulders
and front legs. The short legs end in rounded hooves. The short and black horns curve
inward on the males, but are straight on the females. There are two moults every year,
one in the spring and one in the fall. The males are larger than the females. Wood Bison
are generally taller and less stocky than Plains Bison.
Distribution and Population
The Wood Bison, considered a northern subspecies of the American Bison, is a Canadian
endemic (occurs only in Canada). In the past, it was found in northeastern British
Columbia, northern Alberta, northwestern Saskatchewan, Yukon, and southwestern
Northwest Territories. Today, there are herds of wood bison in Alberta, Manitoba, British
Columbia, Yukon, and southwestern Northwest Territories.
A recovery program established in 1957 has aided the population of Wood Bison to
increase from 200 in 1957, to over 3,000 free-roaming bison in 1999. Historical
estimates suggest that there once were over 168,000 Wood Bison in Canada. The latest
population estimates count 3,536 bison, with 2,828 in the wild and 708 in captivity, free
of brucellosis and tuberculosis. There are six populations in the wild and four captive
breeding herds. Two wild herds exceed the minimum viable population of 400
individuals. In 2000, the species was re-examined using new criteria and reaffirmed as
threatened.
Habitat
Wood Bison are found in the open boreal and aspen forests where there are large wet
meadows and slight depressions caused by ancient lakes. The population in the
Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary (NWT) uses wet meadows and willow savannas in summer
and winter and forests in the fall.
Threats
Disease (anthrax, brucellosis, and tuberculosis), cross-breeding with Plains Bison, and
habitat loss through human development, agriculture, and forestry and petroleum
resource development are the main threats faced by Wood Bison. Anthrax is a fatal
disease for herbivores, that is contracted through bacteria found where the ground has
been contaminated by infected carcasses. Anthrax was a major cause of death for the
Wood Bison before 1978 and could easily recur, especially in particularly wet years. The
Wood Bison in Wood Buffalo National Park were infected with bovine tuberculosis and
brucellosis (and began hybridizing) when Plains Bison were moved to the park from
1925-1928. The Plains Bison had contracted the two diseases from domestic cattle with
which they had been held, and during cross-breeding experiments. Wood Bison can
drown during spring floods or when they venture onto thin ice; in 1961 and 1974 several
hundred bison drowned in a flood. These events likely do not affect bison populations
over the long term. However, the periodic floods supplied water to elevated ponds and
wet meadows where the bison feed. With the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam,
flooding has been largely controlled and the meadows and ponds have dried. As a result,
the vegetation has converted from sedges, which provided important winter forage, to
grasses and shrubs, which are thought to be less suitable as food. The conversion of
lands for agriculture or other development has limited the habitat of the Wood Bison.
Biting insects are a problem for the herds in captivity, since their movements are
restricted by fences and they thus cannot escape the insects; this has resulted in
reproduction problems and mortality. Also, so-called pure blood Wood Bison are kept
apart from Plains Bison and bison hybrids to protect the genetic integrity of the
subspecies. This limits the habitat which can be used to reintroduce the Wood Bison,
since part of the habitat is occupied by other bison.
Protection
The Wood Bison is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). A law to
protect the Wood Bison from hunting was first introduced in 1877. In the Northwest
Territories, the Yukon, British Columbia, and Alberta, the species is protected against
such activities as capture, harassment, trade, and killing. The species is fully protected in
the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary in the Northwest Territories, and only a limited number
of tags for hunting bison are available annually. National parks, such as Wood Buffalo
National Park, ensure some protection for the bison. Regulations and cooperative
agreements with native peoples protect the Wood Bison against hunting when it is
reintroduced into an area.
Black-footed Ferret
Description
The Black-footed Ferret is a mink-sized, buff-coloured weasel with a short furry tail and
oval protruding ears. Its fur is actually white, but the brown ends of the long hairs on the
back give the animal an over-all creamy appearance. A dark chocolate band crosses the
ferret's eyes, cheeks and feet; its legs and the last third of its tail are also dark brown.
Long hairs on its feet hide the claws, and there is fur on the pads of the feet. The Blackfooted Ferret's winter fur is shorter, but glossy and silky. The mean length of an adult
male is 533 mm, and its mean weight is 585 g; females are approximately 10% smaller
than males.
Distribution and Population
This species is very rare in Canada, and has probably been extirpated. Black-footed
Ferrets were found in the western Prairies, to the south of Calgary, Alberta, and south of
Regina, Saskatchewan. They are still found in the central part of the United States,
adjacent to the Canadian Prairies. In 1997, there were 12 males and 18 females in the
Metro Toronto Zoo's captive breeding colony.
Habitat
Black-footed Ferrets inhabit short grass prairie. They are heavily dependent on Blacktailed Prairie Dogs as their main source of food. The habitat of the two is almost identical.
Reasons for extirpation
There is only a very small area where the specialized prey of the Black-footed Ferret are
found in great numbers; this effectively limits the territory of the ferret.
Protection
The Black-footed Ferret is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Greater Prairie-Chicken
Description
The Greater Prairie-Chicken is a medium-sized grouse with a barred plumage, a short
round tail, and feathered toes. Narrow elongated feathers occur on an inflatable sac on
both sides of the neck. These narrow elongated feathers, which function in the mating
display, are poorly developed on the females.
Distribution and Population
The Greater Prairie-Chicken has vanished from Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. There
were some 15 sightings in Saskatchewan between 1965 and 1977. This species is now
considered extirpated from Canada, although the sightings from Saskatchewan indicate
that some individuals may still occur in Canada, probably during migration. This species
colonized the Prairie provinces and southern Ontario in the 1870s-1880s, from North
Dakota and Minnesota. By 1900, an estimated one million or more Greater PrairieChickens were breeding in the Prairies. Today, the species' range extends from the
Canadian Prairies to Texas and Louisiana.
Habitat
The Greater Prairie-Chicken inhabits natural grasslands, open to fairly bushy; it will also
use lightly grazed or ungrazed grasslands located near bushy natural grasslands.
Reasons for extirpation
Lack of adequate habitat, namely extensive, ungrazed blocks of grassland, is the main
limiting factor for Greater Prairie-Chickens. The conversion of natural grasslands to
agriculture is ongoing.
Protection
The Greater Prairie-Chicken is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Grizzly Bear – The Prairie Popluation
Description
The Grizzly Bear is larger than the Black Bear, has a stout body, a large head, and a
short tail. It has a distinctive hump between its shoulder blades that is formed by the
muscles of its powerful forelegs. Its nose turns up at the end, unlike the Black Bear,
whose nose arches down. Grizzly Bears are typically brown, but can range from nearly
white through blond to black. The guard hairs on the shoulders and back are often
tipped with white, which gives the fur a grizzled appearance from a distance. Size is
quite variable in Grizzly Bears. The weight of individual females ranges from about 100
kg for those in interior populations to about 200 kg for those in coastal populations, and
typically males are almost twice as heavy as females. Body mass also increases greatly
between spring and fall and declines over the winter.
Distribution and Population
Ursus arctos has an extensive Holarctic distribution, and is known, or believed to occur in
Canada, the United States, and at least 42 Eurasian countries. Many populations in
Eurasia are isolated, small, and endangered.
The Grizzly Bear has been completely extirpated from the Canadian Prairies.
Habitat
Grizzly Bears are habitat generalists, and can be found from sea level to high-elevation
alpine environments. In Canada, they occupy habitats as diverse as temperate coastal
rain forests, semi-desert arctic tundra, boreal forests, and subalpine forests. Suitable
grizzly habitat must provide an adequate food supply, appropriate denning sites, and
isolation from human disturbance.
The habitat associations of the Grizzly Bear are strongly seasonal; the consumption of a
wide variety of plants is important for many Grizzly Bears so their movements often
reflect the development of the local plant community. In mountainous areas vegetation
emerges earlier at lower elevations; bears therefore descend from their denning sites to
feed in the spring, and return later in the season to higher elevations.
Reasons for extirpation
The last members of the Grizzly Bear Prairie population disappeared from the Cypress
Hills area of Saskatchewan and Alberta around 1900. The extirpation of this population
resulted from the killing of Grizzly Bears by humans, and conversion of the natural
habitat to agricultural, residential, and urban areas.
Protection
The Grizzly Bear, Prairie population, is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act
(SARA).
Other Protection or Status
The Grizzly Bear in Canada is on Appendix II of the Convention on the International
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and is listed by the World Conservation Union
(IUCN).
Burrowing Owl
Description
The Burrowing Owl is a small owl with a round head and no ear tufts. Its eyes and beak
are yellow, and it has long, thin legs and a short tail. As its name suggests, the
Burrowing Owl nests underground. However, it rarely digs its own burrow, preferring to
make its nest in abandoned burrows of small mammals, such as ground squirrels,
American badgers and prairie dogs. The adult owl is smaller than a pigeon. Adults and
young are relatively conspicuous because of their tendency to be active during the day,
foraging from elevated dirt mounds or fence posts in open habitats. Burrowing Owls fly
low to the ground with rapid wing beats.
Its small size, beige coloration, long, thin legs and almost completely unfeathered toes
make the Burrowing Owl a unique member of the owl family.
Distribution and Population
The Burrowing Owl is found in western North America from southern Canada to Mexico.
In the United States, the species breeds from the Great Plains westward. Nesting sites in
Canada are scattered. The main population breeds in the prairies, from south-central
Alberta to southern Saskatchewan; a few reintroduced pairs breed in the ThompsonNicola valley of south-central British Columbia.
The species is absent from or rare in areas where it was once common. The true causes
of this widespread decline remain unknown. The Burrowing Owl is extirpated from
Manitoba, and it will disappear from western Canada in the next few decades unless the
trend is reversed.
Habitat
The Burrowing Owl prefers flat, treeless terrain, such as pastures grazed by livestock or
the edges of agricultural fields. It favours open, sparsely vegetated areas with burrows
excavated by American badgers, ground squirrels and other mammals. During the day,
the Burrowing Owl typically feeds round its own nest, but at night, it may range more
widely, feeding in nearby fields in denser vegetation, which is the preferred habitat of
the small mammals on which it feeds.
Threats
Historically, the main factor responsible for the decrease in the Canadian Burrowing Owl
populations is thought to have been the conversion of grassland to cropland, combined
with the fragmentation and degradation of remaining grasslands.
The existence of suitable burrows or other holes in the ground is vital to the Burrowing
Owl. Besides being used as nesting sites, burrows provide shelter from wind, rain, sun
and predators. Unfortunately, cultivation of pastures, extermination of ground squirrels,
and other agricultural techniques have combined to reduce the number of suitable
burrows.
The use of chemical pesticides to control grasshoppers and other insects could constitute
another major threat, since it reduces an important food source. When a food shortage
forces birds to forage away from their nesting sites, there is a greater risk that they will
be taken by a predator.
Predation is a major cause of mortality in local populations. Reintroduction efforts in
British Columbia, for example, have been hampered by heavy predation by northern
harriers, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks and coyotes.
Burrowing Owls have difficulty finding burrows during migration, since 99% of prairie
dog colonies in the Great Plains have been destroyed. In the wintering range, most of
the habitat is cultivated, and burrows may become rare.
Although poorly quantified, collisions with vehicles are thought to be a significant source
of mortality for adult and juvenile Burrowing Owls. The Burrowing Owl often forages near
roads, where grass conditions are optimal for the small rodents and insects it feeds on,
and it is thus susceptible to such collisions. Approximately 31% of all known Burrowing
Owl fatalities on the Regina Plain, Saskatchewan, were caused by vehicles.
Adverse weather and poaching (in Mexico) are other factors that may play a role in the
decline of the Burrowing Owl.
Protection
The Burrowing Owl is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). The
Burrowing Owl is found in numerous national wildlife areas, which are federal
lands protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Within the boundaries of
Grasslands National Park of Canada, it is also protected under the Canada
National Parks Act.
Provincially, this species is protected under the British Columbia Wildlife Act, the Alberta
Wildlife Act, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act, 1998, and the Manitoba Endangered Species
Act, which prohibit killing, harassing or collecting Burrowing Owls or destroying their
habitat.
Greater Short-Horned Lizard
Description
Horned lizards are quite squat with short tails; they have spines on the head and fringe
scales at the sides of the abdomen. The Greater Short-horned Lizard is very similar to
the Pygmy Short-horned Lizard, but has nostrils located on the front of the blunt muzzle,
and a very short tail which is about a third of the length of the body. The horns are short
and stubby, and there is only a single row of fringe scales along each side of the
abdomen.
Distribution and Population
In Canada, it is found in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. The
distribution appears to be disjunct. The Alberta population has eastern and western
subgroups, with one group along the South Saskatchewan River, and another group in
the Milk River and Pakowski River drainages. In Saskatchewan, the subspecies appears
to be restricted to the northwest by the Cypress Hills, to the northeast and east by Pinto
Butte and Wood Mountain, and to the west by the boundary hills. Localities in
Saskatchewan are represented by single specimens, although lizards were reported to be
relatively common in the Rosefield area in 1957.
Habitat
The Eastern subspecies is found within the dry steppe climatic region of Alberta and
Saskatchewan, where the climate is hot and dry, and the climax vegetation is mixed
grass prairie association. In the southwest Cypress Hills area, the subspecies is
associated with Bearpaw shale exposures, where extensive badlands of dunes are
interspersed with alluvial flats, shallow coulees and ravines, and isolated ridges, and
Creeping Juniper dune vegetation alternates with short-grass prairie. Individuals in
Saskatchewan have been found in the badlands among outcrops of blue shale, in
relatively flat, rolling river bottoms.
Threats
The range of the lizards in Saskatchewan does not appear to be contiguous with the
range in Montana. Although climate is thought to be the chief factor determining the
distribution of the species at the northern edge of its range, it is not known precisely
what climatic factor is limiting. It is possible that the tight reproductive schedule requires
a minimum number of warm days, and that this limits how far north the lizard can
successfully reproduce. Rock and shale outcrops in Alberta and Saskatchewan provide
winter hibernacula, which could also be important in determining the northern limit of
the lizard's range.
Protection
The Greater Short-horned Lizard is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act
(SARA). All reptiles and amphibians are protected under the provincial Wildlife Act in
Saskatchewan. Lizards occurring in the proposed Val Marie National Park will be
protected when the park is incorporated.
Whooping Crane
Description
The Whooping Crane is approximately 1.5 meters tall, making it the tallest bird in North
America. Adults are white with black wing tips, which are only evident when the wings
are outstretched. In addition, there are red, black and grey markings on the head and
face.
Distribution and Population
The current ‘natural’ nesting grounds for this species are entirely within Canada in Wood
Buffalo National Park, which straddles the Alberta-Northwest Territories border. At one
time the species occupied a much wider breeding range, which extended across much of
the central and northern prairies of North America. It was lost from these areas following
settlement around the early 1900’s.
According to historical evidence, Whooping Cranes were probably never common, and
their numbers probably never exceeded 1 500 individuals. As of 1998-99, the total
population of wild Whooping Cranes was 260 individuals, 183 of which were members of
the Wood Buffalo National Park/Aransas National Wildlife Refuge flock. This flock has
increased by a little more than 35 % over the last ten years and has a population growth
of 3.7% per year.
Habitat
During the breeding season, Whooping Cranes inhabit marshes, bogs, and shallow lakes
that are separated by narrow ridges. Bulrushes, Cattails, sedges, Musk-grass and other
wetland and aquatic plants dominate the vegetation in the nesting areas. There has been
a significant loss of suitable wetland habitat south of Wood Buffalo National Park since
the early 1900’s. When migrating, Whooping Cranes stop along the way to roost and
feed in a variety of wetlands and croplands. The wintering habitat consists of estuarine
marshes and salt flats.
Threats
Habitat quality, and subsequently, food resources, are the important factors controling
the species’ numbers. The breeding range in Wood Buffalo National Park is very
restricted. However, Whooping Cranes appear to be more limited by risks faced during
migration and factors affecting their wintering grounds than those affecting their
breeding grounds. The concentration of the species in the vicinity of Aransas National
Wildlife Refuge, makes it susceptible to catastrophic events (e.g. hurricanes, chemical
spills). This critical wintering habitat is particularly at risk because it is subject to heavy
boat traffic involved in the transport of petrochemicals, resulting in habitat degradation,
contamination and increased possibility of accidental spills.
Protection
The Whooping Crane is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). The
Whooping Crane is protected by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. Under this
Act, it is prohibited to kill, harm, or collect adults, young, and eggs. This species occurs
in Wood Buffalo National Park, where it is protected under the Canada National Parks
Act. It is also protected by the Saskatchewan and Alberta Wildlife Acts and the Manitoba
Endangered Species Act.