F I R S T R E P O R T O F T H E
FIRST REPORT OF THE
ALBERTA
ENDANGERED ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
SPECIES
CONSERVATION
COMMITTEE
JUNE 2000 ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT
Message from the Minister
We are fortunate to share our province with a diverse variety of wild species, including plants, insects, fish, amphibians, birds and mammals. Each contributes to its particular ecosystem and the planet in its unique way. This government demonstrated its continued commitment to wild species protection in 1997, when it made changes to the Wildlife Act, enabling the creation of the Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC) in 1998. In 2000, an allotment of $4.7 million (over two years) allowed for substantial increases in manpower and resources to expand protection to a wider variety of species. The ESCC is a new structure whose work is inclusive, consultative, transparent and visible. It is made up of 19 member organizations representing a wide range of HON. HALVAR JONSON sectors and concerns across the province. An independent subcommittee of MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT respected scientists provides research data to the main committee. The Scientific Subcommittee’s reports are sent to me, along with the ESCC’s recommendations, for consideration. I am pleased with the recommendations that the ESCC has made to date, and I am happy to act on them. They are reasonable, practical and well-thought-out solutions that address important concerns.
The identification and recovery of species at risk in Alberta is not a new process. It has been going on for 25 years. We have many successes to be proud of. The “The ESCC is peregrine falcon was recently downlisted from “endangered” to “threatened.” The a new structure swift fox, once extirpated, has now successfully been re-introduced. The double- crested cormorant and the American white pelican, once “endangered,” are no whose work is longer on the endangered list. I anticipate more success stories like these in the future. inclusive, So far, we have identified nine species at risk to receive new or re-confirmed legal consultative, status designations, or placement in another appropriate category (e.g., “species of special concern”). This is only the first step. Along with further assessment of transparent and species, I look forward to the next phase—developing recovery plans and visible.” management plans for species at risk and implementing activities to ensure their populations are built up and maintained in the future. Government will facilitate the recovery process by consulting with landowners and other stakeholders to make appropriate changes to regulations. We support a co- operative and consultative approach. When good will and common values exist, agreeable solutions can be found. I would like to thank ESCC chair, Ivan Strang, MLA West Yellowhead, the committee members and the Scientific Subcommittee members for their remarkable commitment to the health and well-being of Alberta’s wild species. All Albertans are encouraged to take part in the recovery efforts of our species at risk. Everyone can participate by being aware of these species and sharing information with others.
Hon. Halvar Jonson
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION1 COMMITTEE Message from the Chair ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT ALBERTA
I am pleased to present this progress report on the activities of the Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC), both as a historical record and information resource for Albertans. The ESCC was created to help the government protect Alberta’s wild species. The committee is composed of a cross-section of Albertans, including resource users, land managers, conservation groups and scientists. We work together to identify Alberta’s vulnerable species as early as possible and recommend immediate actions and long-term options. I am proud of what the committee has achieved in a relatively short space of time. First, we developed our terms of reference and structure. To fill the IVAN STRANG need for complete, reliable and unbiased information on Alberta’s species, MLA WEST YELLOWHEAD we recruited a highly regarded team of scientists to form an independent Scientific Subcommittee.
We took a great deal of care to create a thorough process that will provide ongoing recommendations to Alberta’s Environment Minister. We use internationally recognized objective criteria, which leads to consistent and easily understood decisions regarding species status. The short-term recovery recommendations are designed to set the stage for long-term actions by biologists and stakeholders working together. “We have Most importantly, we have developed a way of operating that is based on developed a way honest and open discussion that aims for consensus. In May 2000, in conjunction with Alberta Environment, we announced new or additional of operating that protective measures for nine species at risk. For most of these species, there is based on are new or reconfirmed legal status designations. We introduced a new “species of special concern” category as a first step in preventing vulnerable honest and open species from becoming threatened or endangered. This proactive approach will pay off in the long run, as prevention is far more effective and discussion . . . .” economical than recovery. This is an ongoing process. In the future, the committee will continue to evaluate species at risk using the most complete information available. We will also work toward assessing all of Alberta’s at risk animals and plants. I would like to thank the committee members and all the Albertans they consulted for their diligence and outstanding commitment to a common goal—the prevention of extinction. Thank you also to the Scientific Subcommittee members for their valuable input. On behalf of the ESCC, I would like to express our appreciation to Honourable Halvar Jonson, Minister of Environment, and the Alberta Environment department for their commitment and support of wild species protection.
Ivan Strang
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION2 COMMITTEE ROB BURNETT
Alberta and Its Species at Risk
Alberta has a rich natural heritage. The • to facilitate the planning and province has hundreds of species of implementation of conservation vertebrate animals,where and thousands of programs and recovery plans for species of plants and invertebrates, species at risk; and whose populations are healthy and • to recommend actions that will stable. However, the populations of some prevent species from becoming at wild species have decreased to such an risk in the future. extent that they can no longer sustain themselves. Other species are in danger Appendixes 1 and 2 provide the Policy of reaching this point. Statement and Terms of Reference of the ESCC. STUDENT WITH NORTHERN In response, the Alberta government has SAW-WHET OWL—VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP WITH LONG-TERM developed a process to prevent “species The Scientific Subcommittee is an MONITORING PROJECTS at risk” from becoming extinct or independent subcommittee of the extirpated. The approach is innovative ESCC. Its purpose is to study the and practical, and allows the Definitions Used by the scientific information available on Endangered Species incorporation of broad social and species identified as potentially at risk Conservation Committee economic values into the process. It is in Alberta. The Scientific Subcommittee Species at Risk: A species at also cooperative and collaborative, and is provides the ESCC with its analysis of risk of extinction or extirpation backed up by provincial legislation (the the biological status of the species at (endangered or threatened), or Wildlife Act). The process relies on sound risk and recommends an appropriate a species that needs special science plus a realistic understanding of status designation. It may also suggest management attention to land use and land management, both of immediate actions that need to be prevent it from becoming at risk. which are needed for the effective taken to protect the species. The ESCC management and recovery of species at evaluates this assessment in making its Extinct: A species that no longer exists. risk. recommendations to the Minister of Environment, and includes it with its Extirpated: A species no The Alberta approach relies upon the longer existing in the wild in report to the Minister. Appendix 3 activities of the Endangered Species Alberta but occurring details the Terms of Reference of the Conservation Committee (ESCC)who and its elsewhere in the wild. Scientific Subcommittee. scientific arm, the Scientific Endangered: A species facing Subcommittee, both created under the The creation of the ESCC has added a imminent extirpation or extinction. auspices of the Wildlife Act in 1998. new dimension to the ongoing process of species assessment carried out in Threatened: A species likely to The main role of the ESCC is to advise become endangered if limiting Alberta. The result will be clear the Minister of Environment on matters factors are not reversed. identification of species at risk and the related to the identification, conservation Species of Special Concern: timely development of recovery plans and recovery of species at risk in Alberta. A species of special concern and management programs for these because of characteristics that Its specific functions are:what species. make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural • to recommend the necessary legal events. designation and protections for Data Deficient: A species for threatened and endangered species in which there is insufficient Alberta; scientific information to support status designation.
Recovery Plans These definitions are based on In Alberta, a recovery plan is prepared by a them), as well as what data is needed to those used by COSEWIC (see recovery team consisting of scientists, assist the species’ recovery, both long-term page␣ 6). For more information see the COSEWIC website government wildlife managers, members of and short-term goals for recovery, and the
The Endangered Species Conservation related only to the status of the Committee (ESCC) is part of an overall species within the province. process of wild species conservation in The information gathered by the Alberta that incorporates both Natural Resources Service, and the provincial and national goals and Scientific Subcommittee evaluation, strategies. are summarized and presented to the In Alberta, species potentially at risk of ESCC. The committee then decides extinction or extirpation are first what recommendations to make to the identified through a Natural Resources Minister of Environment concerning HON. HALVAR JONSON AT Service, Alberta Environment, process the legal designation, management NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL that ranks the general status of each and recovery of the species. MONITORING SITE Alberta species. The purpose of this If a species is legally designated under “coarse filter” process is to assign the Wildlife Act, the Minister of Species Assessed by the initial priorities for species assessment, Environment will prepare a recovery Alberta Endangered data collection and species plan for the species. The role of the Species Conservation management. The Natural Resources Committee between ESCC in this process is: Service publishes reports on the July␣ 1999 and January␣ 2000 and general status of Alberta wildlife every • to identify appropriate stakeholders Announced by the five years. The next edition is to be to assist scientists in preparing the Minister of Environment completed in 2000 (see the sidebar for recovery plan; how to get your copy of the 1996 Endangered Species report). • to review and provide advice on a 1. Swift fox (Vulpes velox) draft plan; and 2. Sage grouse (Centrocercus If a species has been identified as urophasianus) being at risk, the Natural Resources • to facilitate appropriate public 3. Piping plover (Charadrius Service and Alberta Conservation review of, and input into, a recovery melodus) Association jointly prepare a detailed plan. Threatened Species Alberta status report.when Using this A document called an Initial 1. Burrowing owl (Athene report, and any relevant additional Conservation Action Statement briefly cunicularia) information, the Scientific summarizes the recommendations of 2. Peregrine falcon (Falco Subcommittee of the ESCC then the ESCC concerning actions that peregrinus) assesses what the risk of extinction or should be taken by Alberta to conserve extirpation is for that species in Species of Special Concern a species, including immediate actions 1. Sprague’s pipit (Anthus Alberta. In this process, the national needed while a recovery plan is being spragueii) Committee on the Status of put in place. (By signing the Accord for 2. Long-toed salamander Endangered Wildlife in Canada (Ambystoma macrodactylum) the Protection of Species at Risk in (COSEWIC) rating (see page␣ 6) for the Canada in 1996 [see page␣ 6], Alberta species is considered, but Alberta’s Data Deficient Species committed to the prompt development 1. Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus assessment may differ because it is of recovery plans—one year [from the viridis) In Process 1. Western blue flag (Iris missouriensis)1 Where Alberta Wildlife Status Reports Are Available
1Although the ESCC has proposed a Edmonton Calgary “threatened” designation for this Information Centre - Publications Information Service species, the first step is to consult with landowners on appropriate Alberta Environment Alberta Environment conservation actions. Main Floor, Great West Life Building #100, 3115 - 12 St. NE 9920 - 108 St. Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 7J2 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2M4 Phone: (403) 297-3362 Phone: (780) 422-2079; OR FIRST REPORT OF THE within Alberta use the Rite Line 310-0000 ALBERTA ENDANGERED Fax: (780) 427-4407
Process Outcome or Decision Point Publication ESCC = Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee SSC = Scientific Subcommittee
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION5 COMMITTEE WAYNE LYNCH WAYNE What Happens at the National Level
There are two key cooperative processes The Accord for the Protection of that have driven endangered species Species at Risk in Canada, which conservation efforts nationally. One is Alberta signed in 1996, committed the Committee on the Status of federal, provincial and territorial Endangered Wildlife in Canada governments to increased cooperation (COSEWIC), which was created by and action on the conservation of federal and provincial wildlife Ministers species at risk. The formation of the in 1977. This committee, which includes Endangered Species Conservation government, academic and non- Committee was one of the means by academic experts, identifies wild species which Alberta began to meet its LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE at risk of extinction in Canada. commitments under the accord. (SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN STATUS RECOMMENDED BY ESCC) In order to facilitate recovery of those species identified by COSEWIC as at risk of extinction, the committee on the Recovery of Nationally Endangered Some Helpful Websites Wildlife (RENEW) was created by the Provincial Wildlife Ministers’ Council of Canada in Alberta’s Threatened 1988. This committee oversees the Wildlife development and implementation of www.gov.ab.ca/env/fw/ recovery plans for species identified as threatsp/index.html “threatened” or “endangered” Alberta Natural Heritage nationally. Alberta participates on all Information Centre national recovery teams for COSEWIC- www.gov.ab.ca/env/parks/ designated species at risk in the anhic/anhic.html province.
Federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) www.cosewic.gc.ca Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in LONG-BILLED CURLEW (SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN STATUS RECOMMENDED BY ESCC) Canada www.ec.gc.ca/press/ wild_b_e.htm WAYNE LYNCH WAYNE Species at Risk in Canada www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/sara/ main.htm
International World Conservation Union (IUCN)1 http://iucn.org/themes/ssc/ siteindx.htm
1The World Conservation Union has kept its former acronym— IUCN.
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION6 COMMITTEE GORDON COUR The Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee T
The Alberta Endangered Species Chair Conservation Committee (ESCC) Ivan Strang, MLA for West Yellowhead meets quarterly and had its first meeting in September 1998. Its Members WHOOPING CRANE (ENDANGERED STATUS IN ALBERTA) decisions are usually made by Alberta Association of Municipal Districts consensus but can be made by a two- and Counties thirds majority when consensus is not Alberta Cattle Commission possible. The committee’s Chair, Ivan Alberta Environment Strang, MLA for West Yellowhead, Alberta Fish and Game Association was appointed by a previous Minister Alberta Forest Products Association (2 of Alberta Environmental Protection in members) 1998. Alberta Irrigation Projects Association The Alberta approach to assisting Alberta Native Plant Council species at risk involves using both Calgary Zoo scientific expertise and the knowledge Canadian Association of Petroleum For more information about of those who own, manage and use Producers the land on which wild species Federation of Alberta Naturalists these organizations, see depend. Therefore, the ESCC includes Special Areas Board members of the scientific/academic their websites on the inside community (apart from the Scientific The Wildlife Society - Alberta Chapter Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Subcommittee), plus representatives back cover. of organizations that are land use University of Alberta (Dept. of Biological managers, resource users, Sciences) conservation groups and government University of Calgary (Dept. of Biological departments. By including all these Sciences) stakeholders, the development and Western Stock Growers’ Association implementation of workable conservation management programs Ex-officio Representatives and recovery plans for species at risk Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural are assured. Development Alberta Conservation Association The ESCC is made up of the following individuals and organizations (member Alberta Resource Development organizations are listed in alphabetical The Chair and Ex-officio Representatives do not order): vote. All other members have one vote. WHOOPING CRANE
ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS
(WITH WHOOPING CRANE) AT CALGARY ZOO MEETING IN APRIL 2000 ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION7 COMMITTEE T The Scientific Subcommittee of the Alberta GORDON COUR Endangered Species Conservation Committee
The Scientific Subcommittee is made up botany, ecology, forestry, wildlife of independent scientists who review management and wildlife the best scientific information available conservation. on a species that may be at risk in Alberta and assess what the biological Members of the Scientific status of that species is in the province. Subcommittee (in alphabetical The subcommittee sends its assessment order) are as follows: and related recommendations to the Endangered Species Conservation Dr. René J. Belland, Director of Committee. Research, Devonian Botanic FERRUGINOUS HAWK Garden, Edmonton, Alberta (THREATENED STATUS IN ALBERTA) The Scientific Subcommittee has adopted the species evaluation method Cheryl Bradley, Professional used by the IUCN (now the World Biological Consultant, Lethbridge, Conservation Union, formerly the Alberta International Union for the Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow, Assistant Conservation of Nature and Natural Professor, Department of 1 Resources) . This method is the same as Renewable Resources, University of that used by COSEWIC at the national Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta level, and using it ensures that Alberta’s assessments can be compared with Dr. John Spence, Professor, those done nationally. As well, having Department of Biological Sciences, an internationally accepted, open and University of Alberta, Edmonton, transparent process of evaluation Alberta enhances the credibility of the scientific Dr. Brad Stelfox, Professional assessments. Biological Consultant, Bragg Creek, When evaluating a species (using the Alberta, was a member of the IUCN criteria/guidelines), the Scientific Scientific Subcommittee until April Subcommittee considers a range of 2000, when he resigned because information about the species’ status in of time constraints Alberta. Population size, changes in William D. Wishart, Retired Director population size, and the size of the area of Research, Fish and Wildlife in which the species is found are very Management Division, Alberta significant. Other population Environment; now Adjunct characteristics, such as fragmentation, Professor, Department of Biological isolation and status in adjacent regions Sciences, University of Alberta, and are also considered before the Research Associate, Provincial subcommittee recommends a status. Museum of Alberta, Edmonton, The present Scientific Subcommittee is Alberta composed of a small group of scientists with significant scientific expertise related to vertebrate animals (including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and fish), invertebrates (including insects and spiders) and plants, as well as in the general fields of biology,
1The World Conservation Union has kept its former acronym—IUCN.
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION8 COMMITTEE CHRIS FISHER Achievements of the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee
The Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee has been meeting since September 1998 and has accomplished a great deal in its short tenure. It has:
• developed and revised operational • endorsed the species assessment procedures for itself; criteria developed by the Scientific Subcommittee for species potentially • defined guidelines for determining at risk; what species are endangered or ORD’S KANGAROO RAT (ENDANGERED STATUS threatened in Alberta (the committee • received 12 assessments carried out RECOMMENDED BY ESCC) did a detailed review of the IUCN by the Scientific Subcommittee; and guidelines); • passed recommendations concerning Future Activities of • proposed and developed workable the legal designation, management the Alberta definitions related to endangered and recovery of these 12 species to Endangered Species species assessment with which the Minister of Environment (the Conservation government and organizations can Minister has responded and taken Committee work; action on the first 9 species). In the next year the • created and provided general Alberta Endangered guidelines to the independent Scientific Species Conservation Subcommittee, and appointed its Committee hopes to members; accomplish the following: • continue ongoing assessments of species potentially at risk in List of Species Currently Listed under the Wildlife Act, and New Species Assessed Alberta (optimum is by the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee Since its Inception three species per meeting) and make its Former Recommendations Current Species Designation Designation recommendations about (1998)SSC ESCC (2000) these species to the ENDANGERED (2000) Minister of Swift fox (Vulpes velox) EN EN Sep-99 EN Oct-99 EN Environment; Bison (Bison bison)1 EN - - EN Whooping crane (Grus americanus)EN--EN• facilitate the planning, Sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) GA EN Jun-99 EN Jul-99 EN review and Piping plover (Charadrius melodus) TH EN Dec-99 EN Jan-00 EN implementation of THREATENED (2000) recovery plans for Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)TH- - TH endangered and Barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus TH - - TH threatened species, groenlandicus) Northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens)TH--THincluding assisting Trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator)TH--THstakeholders to Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis)TH--THparticipate in the Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) TH TH Sep-99 TH Oct-99 TH Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) EN TH Jun-99 TH Jul-99 TH process; • review and facilitate OTHER FORMS OF PROTECTION PROPOSED (2000) Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii) NG SC Jun-99 SC Jul-99 NG(SC) public input into draft Long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) NG SC Dec-99 SC Jan-00 NG(SC) recovery plans; Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) NG DD Dec-99 DD Jan-00 NG(DD) • further identify and IN PROCESS (2000) define new status Western blue flag (Iris missouriensis) - TH Sep-99 TH Oct-99 IP categories of species at Ord’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) NG EN Mar-00 EN Apr-00 IP risk, as necessary; and Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) NG SC Mar-00 SC Apr-00 IP Long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus) NG SC Mar-00 SC Apr-00 IP • continue revisions of its operational procedures. EN – Endangered; TH – Threatened; GA – Game Animal; NG – Non-game Animal;* – Legal designation is Non-game Animal, species further described as either SC – Species of Special Concern or DD – Data Deficient; IP – In Process. FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED 1 Only bison (Bison bison) that are found, killed or captured on the land within the boundaries described in the SPECIES CONSERVATION regulation are endangered animals. The regulation has a detailed description of northwestern Alberta around 9 the Hay-Zama lakes, north and west to the N.W.T. and B.C. borders. COMMITTEE Achievements of the Scientific Subcommittee of the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee MELANIE OSTOPOWICH
The Scientific Subcommittee has been meeting since January 1999 and can be credited with the following accomplishments. It has:
• considered and accepted the IUCN • helped identify and define new VOLUNTEER TAKING PART guidelines for assessment of species at categories needed for species being IN A GARTER SNAKE DEN risk; assessed (e.g., “species of special RELOCATION PROJECT concern”); and • evaluated 12 species and given its Future Activities of recommendations pertaining to these • taken on the responsibility of setting the Scientific species to the Endangered Species priorities for assessing species at risk. Subcommittee of Conservation Committee; the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee
The Scientific Subcommittee plans to accomplish the following activities within the next year. It will:
• continue to evaluate species potentially at risk in Alberta and pass on its recommendations to the Endangered Species Conservation Committee; • identify plants that are a priority for data collection and detailed status report production; • recommend new status categories for species being evaluated, as needed; and • expand its membership.
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION10 COMMITTEE SOUTHERN ALBERTA PRAIRIE GRASSLAND MARK DEGNER Species
Announced
by the IDENTIFICATION9 Minister of CONSERVATION Environment RECOVERY
MAY 2000
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION11 COMMITTEE ENDANGERED WAYNE LYNCH WAYNE SWIFT FOX (Vulpes velox)
History remains extremely vulnerable because The swift fox was once common on the of its small numbers and limited prairies. Historically, it was found in distribution. shortgrass and mixedgrass prairie regions from southwestern Manitoba west to the Management foothills of the Rocky Mountains and Because the swift fox is designated as from central Alberta southwards “endangered” under the Alberta throughout the midwestern United Wildlife Act, it is a protected species. It States to Texas. Alberta populations is illegal to harm a swift fox or disturb ranged north to about the 53rd parallel. its dens anywhere or at anytime in DESCRIPTION Alberta. These foxes were trapped for their fur in An adult swift fox is about the the mid-1800s, but populations declined An Alberta recovery plan for the swift size of a large house cat (and dramatically in the late 1800s as native fox will be developed by 2002. The half the size of a red fox), grasslands were converted to agricultural standard 12-month goal to develop a weighing 2 to 3 kilograms. It is land. Continued loss of habitat, along recovery plan for an endangered lean and well-adapted for with competition from other species, species was extended to allow speed, having been clocked particularly coyotes, susceptibility to completion of a cooperative running at over 50 kilometres trapping and poisoning programs meant international census of swift fox in the per hour. for other animals, and severe climatic winter of 2000-2001. conditions all led to the extirpation of While the provincial recovery plan is Swift foxes use underground the swift fox from Canada by the 1930s. being prepared, government land use burrows or dens throughout Captive breeding of swift foxes began in management systems will be the year—for protection 1973 through a privately run program. In strengthened to make sure there is no against predators and poor 1978, the species was officially loss of swift fox dens due to managed weather, and as a place to rear designated as Extirpated in Canada by activities (e.g., industry, agriculture, their young. These foxes may COSEWIC, and a national recovery plan recreation). Because some dens are on dig their own burrows or may was approved in 1995 to reintroduce private land, property owners will be modify dens left by badgers or swift foxes and create a self-sustaining contacted so that they can take part in Richardson’s ground squirrels Canadian population. The species is now voluntary conservation efforts or (gophers). listed as “endangered” by COSEWIC. cooperative management strategies. Swift foxes were first officially released in Alberta in 1983. By 1996, 540 foxes had been released in the Alberta- Saskatchewan border and Milk River Ridge areas, parts of the species’ native range. Most animals released were bred in captivity; the remainder were wild- born animals imported from the United States. At present, it is estimated that there are approximately 96 swift foxes in Alberta, most of them the offspring of released foxes. The population is stable or increasing slightly, but the species
FIRST REPORT OF THE Alberta: Endangered; Saskatchewan: Canada (COSEWIC): Extirpated USA: Candidate for ALBERTA ENDANGERED status maintained Endangered in 1978; downlisted to listing SPECIES CONSERVATION12 in 2000 Endangered in 1999 COMMITTEE STATUS WAYNE LYNCH ENDANGERED
SAGE GROUSE (Centrocercus urophasianus)
History being protected. Most leks are on In Alberta, the sage grouse is found in crown land, and conservation and the extreme southeast corner of the management will take place through province, east of Milk River and south negotiation with disposition holders. of the Cypress Hills. Its habitat is Public access and recreation activity MALE sagebrush flats, which exist only in the in lek areas require immediate FEMALE shortgrass prairie. management. Conservation and protection of leks on private land are This species has lost much of its to be based on stewardship historical habitat through the agreements with landowners. conversion of sagebrush habitat to cropland. It once inhabited an area of Population monitoring, as well as 49 000 km2 in southeastern Alberta, research into such important factors DESCRIPTION but by 1968, that area had diminished as habitat selection and use will to 4000 km2. support the recovery planning effort. The largest of all North An important recommendation of American grouse, the sage The sage grouse population has the ESCC to the Minister of grouse depends almost entirely declined drastically (80 percent Environment was that a pilot project on sagebrush (Artemisia between 1968 and 1997; 50 percent in be undertaken to develop grazing species) for food and cover. This the last decade). At present, there are strategies that will best enhance only about 560 sage grouse in Alberta, grouse likely winters within or sage grouse survival and productivity. and surrounding populations do not near its summer range. appear to be sustaining Alberta’s In spring, groups of sage grouse numbers. gather at traditional courtship Management “leks” or dancing grounds. The The sage grouse has been designated males inflate air sacs at their as an “endangered” species under the upper chests, puff out their Alberta Wildlife Act. It is illegal to hunt white chest feathers, spread or harm this grouse, or disturb its nests their pointed tail feathers and in Alberta at any time. strut—snorting, grunting, The status of sage grouse in Alberta hooting and booming as they depends upon the quantity and quality go—to intimidate other males of grassland/sagebrush cover. The and attract females. breeding success of these birds is probably negatively affected by oil and gas development, road building, and overgrazing and disturbance by cattle at lek sites. An interprovincial sage grouse recovery team was formed in 1997. This team will submit a draft recovery plan to the Alberta Minister of Environment in 2001. In the meantime, sage grouse leks and adjacent nesting areas are
Alberta: Endangered Canada (COSEWIC): USA: Has been petitioned to list as FIRST REPORT OF THE (as of 2000) Endangered (Prairie Threatened federally; Washington ALBERTA ENDANGERED Saskatchewan: Endangered Population); uplisted State—Endangered; Arizona, Kansas, SPECIES CONSERVATION13 from Threatened in Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma— COMMITTEE British Columbia: Extirpated 1998 Extirpated STATUS WAYNE LYNCH April toearlyAugust. staying inAlberta fromlate This speciesismigratory, stop feedingtechnique. the ground,usingarun-and- and otherinvertebrates from edge. Iteatsaquaticworms shorelines close to thewater’s The pipingploverfeedsalong away. wing injury tolureapredator defend thenestandwillfeigna plover adultwillvigorously lined withpebbles.Apiping (bowl) insandorgravel,usually Its nestisashallowscrape and sloughs. mudflats andsandflatsoflakes seen ontheisolatedbeaches, little shorebird occasionally The pipingploverisastocky DESCRIPTION SPECIES CONSERVATION ALBERTA ENDANGERED FIRST REPORT OFTHE FIRST REPORT COMMITTEE 14
STATUS ENDANGERED PIPING PLOVER monitoring thepipingplover hasbeen The Alberta government anywhereprovince, oratanytime. thisbirdharm oritsnestsinthe species inAlberta,anditisillegalto The pipingploverisan“endangered” Management patchy distributionacrossparklandand In Alberta,thepipingploverhasa History needed. strong measures are conservation traditionally beenfound.Therefore, onlakeswherebreeding theyhave indicates thattheyare nolonger stable prairiepopulation,evidence piping ploversare ofarelatively part species isdeclining.AlthoughAlberta’s The NorthAmericanpopulationofthis beaches. competition withpeoplefortheuseof activity, vehiclesand off-road influenced bypredation, livestock successcanalsobenegatively Breeding stabilized forrecreation orotheruses. when waterlevelsoflakesare shorelines, soproblems mayresult nesting habitatonlakeorpond vegetation andexposeappropriate water fluctuationstoremove The pipingploverdependsonnatural on fewerthan10lakesinanyoneyear. of 220to300birdsisgenerallyfound The majorityoftheAlbertapopulation population size,vary from yeartoyear. Alberta range,aswellthe specific lakeswithinthepipingplover’s suitable habitat.Asaresult, theuseof birds theycanfind nestwherever or hyper-saline lakesorponds,andthe sparsely vegetatedbeachesofalkaline For breeding, itprefers unvegetatedor Alberta 2000 in Threatened uplisted from grassland areas, mostlyinthe province. east-central partofthe :
Endangered; Saskatchewan/ Manitoba Endangered ( Charadrius melodus : Canada (COSEWIC) Endangered management strategies. and/or negotiatecooperative place voluntary conservation measures holders willbecontactedtoputin well, landownersanddisposition nests duetomanagedactivities.As be strengthened toensure nolossof government-regulated activitieswill systems oncrown landandfor landusemanagement government implementation oftherecovery plan, 2002. Pendingthecompletionand piping ploverwillbecompletedin A provincial recovery planforthe prevent inhabitat. anyreduction even whentheyare notinuse,to breeding siteshave tobeprotected, moves betweenlakes,allpotential Because thebreeding population its nestingsitesfrom disturbance. continued andincreased protection of Key toconservingthisspeciesisthe remains smallandvulnerable. very Alberta pipingploverpopulation after 10yearsofmanagement,the team forthepipingplover. However, onanationalrecoveryparticipates public education.Albertaalso traditional nestingbeaches,and water levelsandvegetationon to keepcattleaway, managementof landowners, fencingcriticalshorelines long-term agreementswith habitat bymeansoflandpurchase or species hasincludedprotecting 1980s. Managementtosupportthis population intheprovince sincethe : USA Threatened and Atlanticpopulations— Endangered; Great Plains : ) Great Lakespopulation— THREATENED STATUS BURROWING OWL (gophers) hasbeentoitsdetriment. Richardson’s squirrels ground owl’s closeassociationwith at theirburrows. Theburrowing and othersshot(mistakenlyornot) have beenkilledbyvehiclecollisions produced bytheowls.Someowls reduction inthenumberofyoung chemicals hasbeenlinkedtoa and insects.Useofagricultural programs squirrels aimedat ground accidentally poisonedthrough Burrowing owlshavealsobeen available forburrowing owlnesting. reducing thenumberofburrows burrowing animalshavedecreased, ground squirrels, badgersandother human settlement.Populationsof construction andexpansionof exploration anddevelopment,road also beenlostthrough oil and gas reduces huntingterritory. Habitathas to 1986,destroys and burrows Alberta, whichwasextensivein1976 Cultivation ofthegrasslandsin in Alberta10years. indicate abouta30percent decline in theprovince. Thesefigures resulted inanestimateof842pairs serious decline.A1994-1995survey Canada andAlberta hassuffered a The burrowing owlpopulationin grazed bylivestock. burrowing owlsare foundinareas present, mostoftheAlberta’s the southern parklandregion. At Historically, itsrangeextendedinto southeastern oftheprovince. part grassland naturalregion ofthe of dryshortgrassprairieinthe In Alberta, thisspeciesinhabitsareas History Alberta in 2000 status maintained :
Threatened;
Saskatchewan, Endangered British Columbia Manitoba and ( cunicularia Athene Canada (COSEWIC) : 1999 in Threatened uplisted from Endangered; burrowl.html>).
15
GORDON COUR GORDON T GORDON COURT April andleavingbyOctober. migratory, arriving in inAlberta The peregrinefalconis per hour. birds), nearly300kilometres diving tocapture prey(mainly kilometres perhour;when reach speedsofupto100 animal. Inlevelflightitcan many tobetheworld’s fastest The peregrineisconsidered by urban areas. on highbuildingsorbridgesin cutbanks, althoughsomenest the ledgesofrocky cliffsor This falconprefers toneston breeds inAlberta. but onlythe falcon canbefoundinCanada, Three subspeciesofperegrine DESCRIPTION SPECIES CONSERVATION ALBERTA ENDANGERED FIRST REPORT OFTHE FIRST REPORT COMMITTEE 16 anatum subspecies
STATUS THREATENED PEREGRINE FALCON was approvedin1987.Restrictionof COSEWIC, andanationalrecovery plan declared speciesby an“endangered” In 1978,theperegrine falconwas Management river drainages). (BowandRedDeer southern Alberta on cliffs alongriversincentraland in ornearEdmontonandCalgary, and oftheprovince,the northeast corner The birds mostlikelytobeseenin are Alberta ispatchyanddiscontinuous. The present rangeofthisspeciesin declined. parallel before thepopulation 70 historicbreeding sitessouthof 56th wereResearchers familiarwithatleast was knownsouthoftheboreal forest. Alberta,northwestern andonly1pair nesting pairswere foundin Alberta. Intheearly1970s,only3 areperegrines knowntoexistin 47breedingAt present, pairsof appears tobeincreasing. reintroductions, theAlberta subspecies years ofmanagementand falcon began.Now, aftermore than25 management torecover theperegrine and theUnitedStatesintensive By 1972, in the The declinewasespeciallypronounced including thethinningofeggshells. pesticides causedreproductive failure, (mainly DDT)contamination.The because oforganochlorinepesticide dramatically,dropped primarily mid-1960s, peregrine numbers naturalregionevery inCanada.Inthe 20th century, itcouldbefoundin common, butbefore themiddleof The peregrine falconhasneverbeen History Alberta Endangered in2000 Endangered downlisted from anatum :
Threatened; DDT wasbannedinCanada subspecies. Canada (COSEWIC) 1999 downlisted from in Endangered ( Falco peregrinus anatum ( Falco peregrinus : Threatened peregrine Alberta. nestsinsouthern (with captive-bred chicks)of monitoring andsupplementation the summerof2000,pluscontinued National Peregrine in FalconSurvey participation intheCanadian being completedincludes peregrines planis whilethe recovery will beprepared. Managementof recovery planfortheperegrine falcon Within twoyears,aprovincial “endangered.” downlisted to“threatened” from peregrine hasbeen falconin Alberta Committee, thestatusof Endangered SpeciesConservation Based ontherecommendation ofthe remains vulnerable. the peregrine falconintheprovince made upofbirds reared incaptivity, population insouthern Alberta is very smallandmostofthecurrent Because theAlbertapopulationisstill population managementisongoing. Alberta in1996,althoughsome raised peregrines wasdiscontinuedin Large-scale ofcaptive- reintroduction five totenyears. has beenparticularlyrapidinthelast resulted inapartial recovery, which innovative managementefforts have other partsoftheworldand America, declininguseofDDTin organochlorine pesticideuseinNorth ); USA Montana—Endangered species list)in1999; national endangered : Delisted(removed from ) SPECIES OFSPECIALCONCERN STATUS SPRAGUE’S PIPIT (the reasons forwhichare not Because ofitslargehistoricdecline species. grasslands alsonegativelyaffect this frequency, andhaying,ofnative arid grasslands.Reducedfire in parklandareas, butlikelynotin tolerates lighttomoderategrazing population decline.Sprague’s pipit likely beenmajorfactorsinthe this species’nativehabitathave and bothmodificationlossof now usedforagriculturalpurposes, proportion ofnative grasslandis heavy vegetationcover. Asignificant croplands), aswellanyarea with lands (pastures, hayfields and introduced grassesandcultivated This speciesavoidsareas with increasing slightly. Montana, where numbershvebeen North Americanrange,exceptin and ataslowerratethroughout its than 20percent inthelastdecade), years intheprovince (slightlyless have declinedsignificantlyinrecent However, itsnumbersappearto accurate estimateisavailable). to hundreds ofthousands(notruly Alberta isthoughttobeinthetens The populationofthispipitin Sprague’s pipitonthecontinent. province hasthehighestdensitiesof northwest corner ofitsrange,the Although Albertaisatthe longer includesnorthern areas. foothills oftheRockies,butno Peace Riverdistrict,thenwesttothe Alberta northtoAthabascaandthe once extendedfrom southern central parkland.Itsbreeding range also breeds sporadicallyinthe grassland songbird inAlberta that Sprague’s pipithasbeenacommon History Alberta 2000 recommended in Special Concern; :
Species of Saskatchewan, Not listed Manitoba : ( Anthus spragueii Canada (COSEWIC) Threatened Alberta. extensive populationlossin habitat islikelyshouldthere be so recolonization ofsuitable Sprague’s pipitsare quitemobile, concern” Fortunately, inAlberta. recognized asa“species ofspecial Sprague’s pipitbe has recommended that Conservation Committee the Alberta Species Endangered for continuinghabitatalteration, completely clear)andthepotential Alberta. Sprague’s pipitpopulationin monitoring andassessmentofthe measures includeactive managing thisspecies.These identifying, conservingand developing appropriate meansof ESCC recommendation by Environment willrespond tothe game Animal.”Alberta Wildlife Act/Regulation designation undertheAlberta although itspresent official Conservation Committee(ESCC), by theAlberta Species Endangered as a“speciesofspecialconcern” Sprague’s pipithasbeenidentified Management : USA Because ofRarity SouthDakota—Imperiled Rare; NorthEndangered; Dakota—State :
Not listedfederally; Minnesota— ) is“non- DESCRIPTION and northern Mexico. and northern UnitedStates in thesouthern mid-September. Itoverwinters in AlbertafromlateAprilto This speciesismigratoryand It mayalsoeatseeds. off theground andvegetation. other insectsandspiderspicked grasshoppers, beetlesand vegetation. Itmainlyeats dense, grassyandrelatively tall nester, preferring tonestin Sprague’s pipitisaground- present. evidence thatthespeciesis display flights,isthestrongest delivered whileflyingonlong series ofmusicalnotes, courtship song,adescending be heardthanseen.Themale the prairiesandismore likelyto typical camouflagecoloursof This smallelusivebird hasthe SPECIES CONSERVATION ALBERTA ENDANGERED FIRST REPORT OFTHE FIRST REPORT COMMITTEE
17 ©R&N BOWERS/VIREO ©R&N WAYNE LYNCH won’t freeze. where thesoilismoistbut spend winterunderground except thatadultsprobably species’ overwinteringhabits Little isknownaboutthis permanent waterbodies. leaf litternearrelatively high soilmoisture andthick or otherdebrisinareas with shelter underrocks,rotting logs long-toed salamandersfind In thesummer, juvenileoradult changing form. usually overwinterbefore weeks intolarvae,which The eggshatchafterafew vegetation, twigs,logsorrocks. singly orinclumpsonaquatic salamanders. Eggsare laid support themostlong-toed lakes withoutpredatoryfish wetlands. Largepermanent permanent ponds,orin shallow areaoflakesor This speciesbreedsinthe nocturnal. survival. Itisalmostentirely terrestrial habitatsforits needs bothaquaticand The long-toedsalamander DESCRIPTION SPECIES CONSERVATION ALBERTA ENDANGERED FIRST REPORT OFTHE FIRST REPORT COMMITTEE 18
STATUS SPECIES OFSPECIALCONCERN macrodactylum LONG-TOED SALAMANDER recognized asa“speciesofspecial that thelong-toedsalamanderbe Committee (ESCC)hasrecommended The EndangeredSpeciesConservation Management becomes significant. pond loss ofasinglebreeding ponds bedisturbedordegraded.The to regional extinctionshouldbreeding Therefore, thepopulationisvulnerable recolonized from anotherarea. an extirpatedgrouping wouldbe extend itsrange,itishighlyunlikely Because thisspecieshaslittleabilityto of long-toedsalamandersare isolated. It ispossiblethattheninegroupings habitats. hibernation and building thatseparatesbreeding recreational development,androad- wetland drainageforindustrialand and lakes,habitatlossbecauseof gamefishinbreedingpredatory ponds salamanders are theintroduction of The mainproblems facedbylong-toed the salamanders. drastically altered recently, withlossof with breeding populationshavebeen distribution. However, severalsites population trendsandchangesin isalsominimalinformationThere on likely exceeds10,000individuals. limited studiesindicatethepopulation this speciesinAlberta;however, isnopopulationestimate for There in thewesternpart oftheprovince. populations are alsofoundelsewhere Mountains. Someisolatedoutlying the front rangeoftheRocky mostofwhichareAlberta, foundin of thelong-toedsalamanderin areThere ninepopulationgroupings History Alberta 2000 recommended in Special Concern; :
Species of British Columbia ecosystem management) protected through List (notatrisk, willbe ) : Yellow Canada land usedecisionsandapprovals. toed salamanderare addressed in ensure thattheneedsoflong- species, wherever possible,and of knownbreeding sitesofthis also undertakeactivemanagement Program. Alberta Environment will the AlbertaAmphibianMonitoring effort bythevolunteernetworkof species. Itcouldbeassistedinthis size, distributionandtrend ofthis more information onthepopulation Alberta Environment willcollect degraded needstobequantified. breeding been siteshave recently from thatseveral information The rateofdeclinethatissuspected salamanders andpopulationtrends. of thepopulationlong-toed information isneededaboutthesize For example,more specific species. management measures forthis implement conservationand Alberta Environment willidentifyand of theESCCrecommendation, Wildlife Act/Regulation game animal”undertheAlberta salamander isdesignatedasa“non- concern.” this Atpresent, assessed Not yet (COSEWIC) ( Ambystoma : USA croceum macrodactylum ( Ambystoma : California . Asaresult )—Endangered D ATEFICN STATUS PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKE beneficial tofarmersandranchers. rodents, rattlerscanbehighly reptiles. Becauseitsprey includes (frogs, toads,salamanders)andother small mammals,birds, amphibians The prey oftheprairierattlesnakeis but noteliminatedthelatterproblem. Changes inattitudeshavereduced vandalism/destruction ofhibernacula). persecution (killingofsnakesand oil andgasactivity)intentional (increased grazing,road construction, habitat duetohumanactivities prairie rattlesnakeare lossofsuitable The mainproblems facedbythe range inAlberta. limitof itsNorthnorthern American The prairierattlesnakeisatthe relatively stableinthelast20years. levels, itappearstohaveremained decreased significantlyfrom historical Although thissnake’s distributionhas time torecover from adecline. are thatthisspeciesmaytakealong rattlesnakes inAlberta,butindications There likelythousandsofprairie are many fewersnakesthaninthepast. become inactiveoraccommodate snake denshavebeendestroyed, Studies showthat,atseveralsites, available toestimatearateofdecline. there isnotenoughinformation appear tohavedecreased, although The overallnumbersofthisrattler sometimes farmers’fields. badlands andsageflats, associated withriverbanks,coulees, southeastern Itisusually Alberta. the grasslandnaturalregion in mixedgrass andshortgrassprairieof The prairierattlesnakeisfoundinthe History Alberta 2000 recommended in :
Data Deficient; Saskatchewan listing considered for :
Being ( Crotalus viridis) Crotalus years. prairie rattlerwithinthenextfive gathered toassessthestatusof Itwillusetheinformationprovince. inthe rattlesnake hibernacula will monitorseveralactive trend and ofthisspeciesinAlberta size, distributionandpopulation more information onthepopulation Environment willalsocollect Alberta isnowlaw.protection 1 toApril30),andthisadditional were protected September onlyfrom rattlesnake dens(inthepast,they year-roundprovide protectionto Wildlife Regulation Committee recommended thatthe Endangered SpeciesConservation poses athreat tosafety. The The snakecanonlybekilledifit buy orsellrattlesnakesinAlberta. which makesitillegaltokill,possess, Alberta as a“non-gameanimal”underthe The prairierattlesnakeisdesignated Management British Columbia or sensitive) Blue List(vulnerable Wildlife Act/Regulation : beamendedto USA : ,
Not listed DESCRIPTION rattlesnake. prairie survival ofthe critical forthe is hibernacula, distance fromthe reasonable basking andbirthingareasa sites, alongwithhunting, Maintenance ofoverwintering species todisturbance. increase thevulnerabilityofthis and overtothesameden), (prairie rattlesnakesreturn over high fidelitytothedensite winter andspring),aswell (especiallyinfall, hibernacula gathering ofrattlersin crevices andcaves.The in mammalburrows, rock whicharehibernacula, located denning sitescalled late SeptembertoAprilin or rock piles.Ithibernatesfrom seen inareasofrock outcrops The prairierattlesnakeisusually rarely fatal. snake inAlberta,butitsbiteis rattler istheonlyvenomous on somesnakes.Theprairie tail, althoughitmaybreak off the “rattle”atendofits distinctive aboutthissnakeis in Alberta.Whatismost ( only one,theprairierattlesnake viridis rattlesnake( western There are eightsubspeciesof Crotalus viridis SPECIES CONSERVATION ALBERTA ENDANGERED FIRST REPORT OFTHE FIRST REPORT ) inNorthAmerica,but COMMITTEE 19
Crotalus
), isfound WAYNE LYNCH WAYNE LESLIE DEGNER pollination. insects (usuallybees)for sword-like leaves.Itrelieson centimetres tall,withlongthin The plantis30to60 thick underground rhizome. perennial thatgrows froma (Iridaceae) andisalong-lived member oftheIrisfamily The westernblueflagisa DESCRIPTION SPECIES CONSERVATION ALBERTA ENDANGERED FIRST REPORT OFTHE FIRST REPORT COMMITTEE 20
STATUS I NPROCES WESTERN BLUEFLAG Species ConservationCommittee since or endangered plants.TheEndangered andrecoveryprotection ofthreatened amended toallowdesignation, In 1997,theAlberta Management km known fromanarea oflessthan800 seven nativepopulationgroupings found elsewhere inCanada.There are and parklandnaturalregions. Itisnot insub-regionsprovince ofthegrassland extreme southwestcorner ofthe summer. Theplantisfoundonlyinthe in thespringbutdrieslater sunny meadowswhere thesoilismoist blueflaggrowsThe western indamp History herbicides. grazing. Thisplantissensitiveto benefit fromlighttomoderatecattle However, thewestern blue flagdoes facedbythisspecies. problems cultivation andovergrazing are all activities. Drainage,waterdiversion, its habitatiseasilydamagedbyhuman habitat requirements, whichmeansthat blueflaghasveryThe western specific actions. byhuman modified ordestroyed sites examinedin1987hadbeen in10years.Fiveofeight 27 percent 1987 and1998,equivalenttoalossof number ofstemswasfoundbetween average decrease in of30 percent sites,inthreemonitored locations,an natural sitesisdeclining.Atsix population ofwestern blueflagat western states.However, theAlberta healthy populationsexistinmany edge ofitsrangeinAlberta,and blueflagisatthenorthern The western also known.) thought tohavebeenintroduced, are other locations,where theplantis Alberta 2 , averylimiteddistribution.(Four Conservation Committee Endangered Species designation recommended by appropriate actions; Threatened with landowners todetermine :
Ongoing consultations Wildlife Act Wildlife was Canada Threatened (COSEWIC) ( Iris missouriensis : USA Alberta willbecloselymonitored. population trends ofthisplantin this case.Thedistributionand initiatives willtakeprecedence in however, solandownerconservation blue flagsitesare onprivateland, regulated activities.Mostwestern crown landandforgovernment- systems willbestrengthened on landusemanagement government tion ofplants.To thisend, population ratherthanreintroduc- and managementoftheremaining emphasis willbeonconservation peripheral speciesinAlberta,the Because thewestern blueflagisa official designation. agreements for inpreparation to reach cooperativeconservation identify theirconcernsandattempt staff willcontactlandownersto “threatened,” Environment Alberta plant tobeofficially designated as developed toprotect Alberta’s first new regulations are being in Alberta stillneeded.While are threatened andendangered plants appropriate standardprotections for “threatened” species.However, blue flagbeclassifiedasa has recommended thatthewestern Wyoming, Utah) SouthDakota, Washington,Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,NewMexico, where Colorado, itoccurs (Arizona,California, but commonto abundant inmanyotherstates : Relativelyrare Dakota inNebraskaandNorth ) A P P E N D I X 1 POLICY STATEMENT for the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee
The Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC) is comprised of a balance of members from stakeholder groups representing resource-based land users, corporate and government land managers, conservation organizations and university scientists. Our mandate is to advise the Minister of Environment on matters relating to the identification, conservation and recovery of species at risk in Alberta. We feel these principles are important in a provincial and federal context. We are operating from a core set of principles that include the following:
one The identification, conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species, as well as prevention of extinction of species, are shared values of this committee and Albertans in general.
two The biological status of species should be determined by independent scientists using the best science available in an open and transparent process.
three In accordance with the precautionary principle as stated in the Accord for Protection of Species at Risk in Canada, where the balance of scientific information indicates a species is at risk, conservation and protective measures will be taken.
four Government has the responsibility to coordinate and facilitate the recovery of species. However, the success of a recovery plan depends on the knowledge and commitment of organizations and individuals who own, manage and use the land. Recovery teams must include these landowners/ land managers.
five Prevention and recovery programs for species at risk will be pursued by encouraging voluntary and cooperative, recovery and management efforts that cost-share on an equitable basis.
six This committee encourages the elimination of any government policy disincentives to landowners to protect species at risk.
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION21 COMMITTEE A P P E N D I X 2 Terms of Reference Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee
The Aberta Endangered Species government land managers, • To receive the assessments of the Conservation Committee (ESCC) was conservation organizations and SSC and recommend to the created by the Minister of university scientists. Administrative and Minister the most appropriate Environmental Protection in April of technical support will be provided by a response actions including, but not 1998. Established under the authority Secretariat from Alberta Environment, limited to, legal designations and of Section 9.1 of the Wildlife Act, the Fisheries and Wildlife Management protections, recovery programs and ESCC is charged with advising the Division. information needs. Minister of Environment on matters Scientific and technical support will also • To facilitate the participation of relating to the identification, be provided by an independent stakeholders in the planning, conservation and recovery of species Scientific Subcommittee. review and implementation of at risk in Alberta. recovery plans and programs. Assessment of the biological status of Roles • To review and report annually to species, and the identification of To advise the Minister of Environment Albertans on the progress of those that are at risk of extinction, on matters relating to the identification programs for the identification and rely on sound scientific evaluation of and recovery of species at risk in recovery of species at risk in data and information available. The Alberta; to recommend the necessary Alberta. ESCC, therefore, includes members legal designation and protections for • To consider advice and from the scientific community, and is threatened and endangered species; to recommendations received from supported by an independent facilitate the planning and Albertans regarding the Scientific Subcommittee. implementation of conservation and recovery programs; and to recommend conservation of species at risk. While biological scientists can identify actions that will prevent species from • To establish ad hoc committees or species at risk, and suggest becoming at risk. working groups to provide advice appropriate recovery goals, the on specific issues or to achieve development and implementation of Decisions specific tasks. workable conservation and recovery Decisions will be made on the basis of programs requires the advice, consensus whenever possible, with Secretariat knowledge and commitment of recourse to a two-thirds majority vote of • To provide technical support to the organizations and individuals who members if consensus is not possible. At ESCC (e.g., facilitating the own, manage and use the land upon least 50 percent of ESCC voting compilation of current data, which species rely. The majority of the members will constitute a quorum. information and knowledge on ESCC is therefore drawn from candidate species, and the organizations representing land Functions provision of information and data managers, resource users, • To develop, implement and revise to members). conservation groups and government appropriate operational procedures • To maintain a repository of departments. This blend of sound for the ESCC. information and provide science and a realistic understanding • To establish, appoint and provide information to the public. of land use management will provide general direction to an independent a unique framework for incorporating committee of scientific experts, the • To provide administrative services, socio-economic factors into the Scientific Subcommittee (SSC), who including planning meetings, development and implementation of will use the best available information financial and meeting records, effective management and recovery to assess the biological status of contract administration, etc. programs. species suspected of being at risk in • To provide links to other provincial, Alberta. national and international Composition endangered species programs. The ESCC will be comprised of a • To endorse species assessment criteria balance of members from stakeholder developed by the SSC for determining • To facilitate communication and groups representing resource-based risk categories for species believed to information flow between the land users, corporate and be at risk. ESCC and the SSC.
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION22 COMMITTEE A P P E N D I X 3 Terms of Reference Scientific Subcommittee of the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee
Authority to establish the Scientific biology. Membership is balanced to designation and conservation Subcommittee of the Alberta include individuals with expertise in a action, to the Minister of Endangered Species Conservation broad diversity of taxa, including fish, Environment. Upon receipt by the Committee (ESCC) was created by mammals, birds, amphibians and Minister, the SSC status the Minister of Environmental reptiles, vascular plants, non-vascular assessments become public. Protection in April of 1998 plants and invertebrates. Candidates (Ministerial Order 18/98). Section 9.1 are nominated by the SSC and Functions of the Wildlife Act indicates that the approved by the ESCC. • To develop and periodically ESCC shall establish, appoint and review scientific definitions, Administrative and technical support maintain an independent scientific criteria and guidelines to be for the SSC is provided by a subcommittee to study and assess used to assess and identify Secretariat from Alberta Environment Alberta species and to recommend, species at risk in Alberta. comprised of one individual from the to the ESCC, organisms that should Fisheries and Wildlife Management • To review the general status of be established as endangered Division and one individual from the species within each taxonomic species. Recreation and Protected Areas group and develop priorities for The Scientific Subcommittee will use Division. detailed species status the best data, information and assessments. Role knowledge available to assess the • To assess the Alberta status of The SSC will use the best available biological status of species that may species listed by COSEWIC as scientific information to assess the be at risk of extinction in Alberta. It nationally threatened or status of species that are suspected of will use an independent, open and endangered. transparent, science-based process in being at risk in Alberta; will develop the assessment of species at risk, and publish lists of species at risk; and • To establish terms of reference and will report its assessments to the will provide advice, information and for, and commission preparation ESCC and subsequently to the recommendations to the ESCC and of, detailed status reports on public. the public. The general assessment priority candidate species, and process will be developed by the SSC, to receive unsolicited status The independence of the Scientific approved by the ESCC, and applied by reports that meet the scientific Subcommittee, and the objective the SSC in an independent, open and criteria. scientific base for identifying species transparent, science-based manner. at risk in Alberta, are essential • To review draft status reports elements of the ESCC structure. They Decisions with outside experts, and will help establish the credibility of Decisions are made on the basis of ensure accuracy, completeness, the process and will create a consensus whenever possible, with quality of analysis and common base upon which the recourse to a two-thirds majority vote application of relevant listing diverse members of the ESCC can of members present if consensus is criteria. develop and implement conservation not possible. • To apply scientific criteria and and recovery programs. Reporting guidelines to information Composition The SSC will summarize the results of compiled on candidate species The Scientific Subcommittee (SSC) its species status assessments in and develop lists of species at will be comprised of an independent written form and present them to the risk in Alberta. group of scientists with expertise in next meeting of the ESCC. Without • To annually publish lists of fields such as conservation biology, undue delay, the ESCC will forward species at risk in Alberta and to ecology, taxonomy, wildlife these status assessments, together provide information, advice and management and population with the ESCC recommendations for recommendations to the ESCC.
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION23 COMMITTEE Terms of Reference – Scientific Subcommittee of the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee continued
• To develop, implement and • To provide technical support to the • To provide links to other provincial, revise appropriate operational SSC (e.g., facilitating the national and international procedures for the functioning compilation of current data, endangered species programs. of the SSC, including the information and knowledge on creation and direction of candidate species). subsidiary working groups and • To publish and distribute subcommittees. information produced by or for the Secretariat SSC, including detailed status • To be appointed by the Director reports, status assessments and lists of Wildlife. of species at risk.
• To provide an assessment of the • To provide administrative services, general status of wild species in including planning meetings, Alberta to assist in the financial and meeting records, prioritization of species for contract administration, etc. detailed assessment.
WOODLAND CARIBOU (THREATENED STATUS IN ALBERTA) T GORDON COUR
FIRST REPORT OF THE ALBERTA ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION24 COMMITTEE Pub No. T/565 (Printed and On-line Editions) ISBN No. 0-7785-1399-8 (Printed Edition) AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ISBN No. 0-7785-1400-5 (On-line Edition) Alberta Forest Products Association Alberta Agriculture, Special Areas Board Food and Rural Development www.abforestprod.org www.specialareas.ab.ca www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Alberta Irrigation Projects Association www.aipa.org The Wildlife Society - Alberta Chapter www.albertadirectory.com/actws Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties www.aamdc.com
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
www.treaty8.org Alberta Native Plant Council www.anpc.ab.ca
Alberta Cattle Commission For copies of this report, contact: www.cattle.ca/acc
Information Centre – Publications RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Alberta Environment Alberta Resource Development Main Floor, Great West Life Building www.resdev.gov.ab.ca University of Alberta 9920 - 108 Street Dept. of Biological Sciences Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2M4 www.biology.ualberta.ca
Telephone: (780) 422-2079 Alberta Conservation Association
Funded by Alberta Anglers, Hunters, and Other Conservationists
OR Alberta Conservation Association www.gov.ab.ca/env/ Calgary Zoo fw/aca.html www.calgaryzoo.ab.ca Information Service University of Calgary Alberta Environment Dept. of Biological Sciences #100, 3115 - 12 Street NE www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/ Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 7J2 faculties/SC/BI
Telephone: (403) 297-3362 ENVIRONMENT
Alberta Environment www.gov.ab.ca/env Canadian Association OR of Petroleum Pr oducers www.capp.ca
Western Stock Growers’ Association Visit our website at www.cattle.ca/ www.gov.ab.ca/env/fw/riskspecies/index.html Cattle_Organizations/wsga-9w6
ALBERTA FISH & GAME and select the link for the First Report of the ASSOCIATION Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee Alberta Fish and Game Association Federation of Alberta Naturalists www.afga.org www.connect.ab.ca/~fan