Species at Risk Overview
NS Endangered Species Act: Legally Listed Species
The following species at risk are legally protected under the NS Endangered Species Act. Included for each species is the year it was listed under the Act, the status category, a brief explanation of why it was listed, and a link to "Additional Information" on recovery efforts. Please note that species are assessed each year and therefore the list of species at risk protected under the act is updated annually. The up to date list of species can also be viewed at Regulations under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act.
Species are listed by status category:
• Endangered | • Threatened | • Vulnerable | • Extirpated | • Extinct
| Status Category | Definition |
| Endangered | a species facing imminent extirpation or extinction |
| Threatened | a species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed |
| Vulnerable | a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events |
| Extirpated | a species that no longer exists in the wild in the Province but exists in the wild outside the Province |
| Extinct | a species that no longer exists |
| ENDANGERED |
| Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) - Endangered (2013) |
 What was once the most common bat in Nova Scotia is now endangered by a disease known as White-nose-Syndrome caused by the fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans . The disease has killed nearly 7 million bats in eastern North America in the past 8 years and estimates of a 90% percent decline in Nova Scotia have taken place in just 3 years since the disease was first recorded. There is no known cure for the disease which is lethal and affects all bat species that congregate in caves and abandoned mines used for hibernation through the winter. About 16 hibernation sites are known in Nova Scotia.Photo by Hugh Broders —click for larger image Additional Information |
| Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) - Endangered (2013) |
 The Northern Myotis, or Northern Long-eared bat is the second most common bat in the province. It usually hibernates in association with the Little Brown Bat in caves and abandoned mines and at other times of the year is a true forest bat. Northern Myotis are endangered by a disease known as White-nose-Syndrome caused by the fungus, Geomyces destructans. There is no known cure for the disease which is lethal and affects all bat species that congregate in caves and abandoned mines used for hibernation through the winter. Like the Little Brown Bat, the Northern Myotis can live to be 15 or more years of age, but they have low fecundity, and high mortality of juveniles, all of which pose significant threats to their recovery.Photo by Hugh Broders —click for larger image Additional Information |
| Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) - Endangered (2013) |
 The Tri-colored Bat, or Eastern Pipistrelle is the rarest of three congregatory bats that occur in the province. The Nova Scotia population is thought to be geographically isolated (disjunct) from others in eastern North America. Little is known about the ecology of tri-colored bats in the province, but research shows that it uses rivers and streams for feeding. Although white-nose syndrome has not been confirmed in this species in Nova Scotia (likely because the bat was always rare), evidence in the north east US indicates the species has been seriously impacted. White-nose-Syndrome is caused by the fungus, Geomyces destructans. There is no known cure for the disease which is lethal and affects all bat species that congregate during hibernation.Photo by Hugh Broders —click for larger image Additional Information |
| Hoary Willow (Salix candida) - Endangered (2013) |
 In Nova Scotia, Hoary Willow occurs only within the Black River system at the northwest end of Lake Ainslie, Inverness County, Cape Breton Island. Here it is known from four rich calcareous fens in close proximity to the river floodplain and a marsh. Threats include hydrologic alteration, grazing, browsing, recreational use, alteration of natural fire regime, invasive species and timber harvesting. Peat mining could also pose a serious threat to the provincial population.Photo by R. Newell — click for larger image Additional Information |
| Macropis Cuckoo Bee (Epeoloides pilosulus)- Endangered (2013) |
 Macropis Cuckoo Bee was historically known from 5 Canadian provinces but disappeared from the record for decades until one site was located in the Annapolis Valley a few years ago. Despite vigorous inventory the cuckoo bee has not been relocated at this site suggesting that the species is in imminent threat of extinction, or extirpation, in the province and perhaps North America.
The decline of this bee is not well understood,
but habitat loss, and use of insecticides are considered major threats.Photo by Cory Sheffield — click for larger image Additional Information |
| Vole Ears (Erioderma mollissimum) - Endangered (2013) |
 In Canada, Vole's Ears lichen is known from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The lichen occupies cool, moist spruce/fir forests and in Nova Scotia is known from 20 sites with only 118 thalli. An 80% decline in the number of sites has been recorded. Vole's Ears is extremely sensitive to air bourne pollution and acid rain, but is also threatened by forest harvesting.Photo by Rob Cameron — click for larger image Additional Information |
| Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) - Endangered (2013) |
 Barn Swallows were one of the world`s most widespread species, but have undergone continental level declines across North America begining in the 1980s. Loss of important nesting sites in the wake of changing agricultural practices (barns) and other artificial structures such as bridges maybe implicated with declines. Concurrent declines of many other aerial insectivorous birds in Nova Scotia and throughout North America suggest changes in the insect food base and climate change may also be implicated. While actual mechanisms of the decline are not well understood the rapidity and geographic extent are cause for concern.Photo by Gordon Court — click for larger image Additional Information |
| Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) - Endangered (2013) |
 About 80% of the breeding range of this neotropical migrant is in Canada and significant declines have been continuing for nearly three decades. Although factors affecting declines of Canada Warbler are not well understood, loss of wintering habitat in South America and climate change may be implicated. Canada Warblers utilize wetlands, swamps, bogs and fens in forest habitats for nesting. (click image for larger picture.) |
| Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) - Endangered (2013) |
 Rusty Blackbirds utilize wetlands around lake edges, bogs, swamps and edges of fens for breeding, wintering in the central parts of the United States. Slow, steady long-term declines spanning over three decades have resulted in the listing of this species as Endangered. Factors affecting the decline are unclear, however habitat changes and blackbird control programs in agricultural landscapes in the wintering grounds are believed to be major threats. About 70% of the breeding range of Rusty Blackbirds is in Canada.Photo by Seabrooke Leckie — click for larger image Additional Information |
| Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) - Endangered (2013) |
 Bicknell's
Thrush is endangered because of habitat change, low
numbers, patchy distribution, and low reproductive
potential. However, little is known about this secretive
species. It breeds in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia
and the northeastern United States. In Nova Scotia, it is
currently restricted largely to Cape Breton Island,
although historically it was found on a few offshore
islands in the southwest part of the province. Habitat has
been altered in Nova Scotia over the last century by
infestations of spruce budworm and forest management
practices. Photo by Dan Busby Additional Information |
| Plymouth Gentian (Sabatia kennedyana) - Endangered (2013) |
 An Atlantic Coastal Plain species, known in Canada only from
a small number of lakeshores in Nova Scotia. The
populations here are very small. Threats include: human
alteration and loss of lakeshore habitats, water
pollution, destruction of populations and habitat by ATV's
and other recreational activities.(click image for larger picture.)Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information |
| Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa subspecies) - Endangered (2007) |
 This medium sized shorebird subspecies breeds in arctic Canada and migrates thousands of kilometres between the breeding grounds and wintering areas in south America. This subspecies of Red Knot has shown a 70 percent decline in population size over the past 15 years. In Nova Scotia, Red Knot stopover to feed during their migration south in late summer. Counts and surveys in the province also show a decline. The primary cause of the decline is considered to be the depletion of horseshoe crabs. These crab eggs are a critical food source during the spring migration north.
Photo by Greg Lasley Additional Information |
| Rockrose (Canada Frostweed) (Helianthumum canadense) - Endangered (2007) |
 Rockrose is a perennial herb with showy yellow flowers and in Nova Scotia is generally associated with the dry, sandy Corema barrens (heathland) of the Annapolis Valley. Only about 3% of these barrens remain. Currently there are about 5500 mature Rockrose plants at seven sites. Nova Scotia plants are to some extent genetically unique and different from the nearest populations in Quebec and New England. Threats to Rockrose include the historic and ongoing land use change: agriculture, housing development, sand quarrying and other forms of development. Also, changes in the natural disturbances including suppression of fire, loss of caribou (grazing suppressing competition) and invasive Scots Pine (shading) have altered the habitat for rockrose.
Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information |
| Ram's-Head Lady Slipper (Cypripedium arietinum) Endangered (2007) |
 Ram's-head Lady Slipper is a small, herbaceous, perennial, orchid of open forests. In Nova Scotia, this orchid is associated with gypsum bedrock and it is found only at six locations with only two to 500 individuals at each site. The species is at some level of risk over much of its range in Canada and Northeastern United States. Although numbers in the province appear stable at present, over the past 75 years, there has been considerable loss of habitat due to gypsum mining and other types of land conversion. Demonstrated threats to this species include; gypsum mining, forestry and cattle grazing. Competition with exotic species, housing developments and ATV traffic are potential local threats.
Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information |
| Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica ) - Endangered (2007) |
 The Canadian population of Chimney swift has declined by almost 30 percent in the past 13 years and geographic area these birds occupy has declined about one third over the same period. In Nova Scotia,the number and the sites where chimney swifts are found has also declined. Many aerial insect eating bird species have declined throughout the Americas in the past 30 years. The cause of the declines is not clear but likely involves changes in insect populations due to habitat changes and pesticide use. A decline in chimneys and large hollow tress that are used for nesting and roosting is also a factor. Large kills resulting from hurricanes crossing migration paths has recently been a serious concern.
Photo by Paul and Georgean Kyle, Driftwood Wildlife Association Additional Information |
| Moose (Mainland Population) (Alces alces americana) - Endangered (2003) |
 The native population of moose in Nova Scotia is limited
to approximately 1000 individuals in isolated sub-populations
across the mainland. The population has declined by at least
20% over the past 30 years with much greater reductions in
distribution and population size over more than 200 years,
despite emxtensive hunting closures since the 1930's. The
decline is not well understood but involves a complex of
threats including: over harvesting, illegal hunting, climate
change, parasitic brainworm, increased road access to moose
habitat, spread of white-tailed deer, very high levels of
cadmium, deficiencies in cobalt and possibly an unknown viral
disease. Moose on Cape Breton Island are not risk as they are abundant and the result of a re-introduction of moose from Alberta in the 1940's. Additional Information |
| Boreal Felt Lichen (Erioderma pedicullatum - Endangered (2003) |
 This
small, inconspicuous lichen has experienced a dramatic
decline of over 90% in occurrences and individuals over
the last two decades. Boreal Felt Lichen is now known in
Nova Scotia from only one site that includes three
individuals all within an area of only a few hundred
square meters. The primary threats to Boreal Felt Lichen
are atmospheric pollutants and acid precipitation which
can cause the death of individuals and disrupt
reproduction. The lichen can also be threatened by
forestry and other land use practices if they disrupt the
moist microclimate that is essential for the species.Photo by Rob Cameron Additional Information — Click for larger image |
| Atlantic Whitefish (Coregonus huntsmani) - Endangered (2002) |
 The
Atlantic whitefish is a species endemic to Nova Scotia,
meaning that it breeds nowhere else in the world. In Nova
Scotia it is found only in the Tusket and Petite Riviere
watersheds and may have been extirpated from the Tusket
River system. Little is known about this species and no
population estimate for the species exists. Past and
present threats to the species include: hydro-electric
development, predation by non-native fish species (e.g.
chain pickerel, smallmouth bass), acidification and
fishing.
Additional Information |
| Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) - Endangered (2002) |
 Lynx
formerly occurred in areas of suitable habitat across
mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. The current
population is very small and restricted to two areas in
the highlands of Cape Breton Island. Historic and current
threats to Lynx include: harvesting, competition from
bobcats and coyotes, habitat loss, disease and climate
change. Additional Information |
| American Marten (Cape Breton Population) (Martes americana) - Endangered (2001) |
 The
Cape Breton population of Marten is likely less than 50
animals. At present there is no evidence of breeding and
there has been extensive loss and degradation of suitable
habitat. Marten were trapped extensively throughout Nova
Scotia since the 1700's until the season was closed in the
early 1900's due to low numbers. The species was thought
to have been extirpated from the mainland and several
re-introductions have been attempted. There have been some
very recent records of Marten in southwest Nova Scotia.
However, the status of the Marten on the mainland is
considered "data deficient." More research is required.
Additional Information |
| Water-Pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata) - Endangered (2001) |
 An
aquatic species of Atlantic Coastal Plain species known in
Canada only from two lakeshores in southwestern Nova
Scotia. One of these populations is within Kejimkujik
National Park and is protected. Research has recently
verified that these plants are not capable of sexual
reproduction and the species persists here only through
asexual reproduction. The abundance of this species can
vary dramatically at these sites over time. Threats to the
species include shoreline alteration, human and vehicle
disturbance and eutrophication (nutrient enrichment).Additional Information |
| Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) - Endangered (2000) |
 Three
small disjunct populations of Blanding's Turtle are found
in central southwest Nova Scotia comprising around two
hundred adult animals in total. These turtles are
genetically distinct with behavioural and physical
differences that distinguish them from Blanding's Turtles
in Ontario and the United States. Predators like the
raccoon and human alteration of lake shores (water level)
used for nesting are the major threats to this species in
Nova Scotia. Additional Information |
| Roseate Tern(Sterna dougallii) - Endangered (2000) |
 About
one hundred pairs of this seabird breed in Canada. All but
a few pairs are in a small number of colonies in Nova
Scotia. The size of the population and the number of
breeding sites have declined markedly in the past fifty
years. Predation by gulls on eggs and young, human
disturbance at colonies and coastal development all pose
significant threats to this species.Additional Information |
| Piping Plover (Charadrius melodius) - Endangered (2000) |
 In
Nova Scotia only about forty breeding pairs of Piping
Plovers remain. These birds are dispersed around the
province on seventeen sand beaches. Despite concerted
conservation efforts here and elsewhere in North America,
the numbers of this species remain low. The main reasons
for this include: deterioration of marginal nesting
habitat due to natural events (storms, vegetation
succession), human alteration of beach habitat, human
disturbance during nesting and predation by birds and
mammals on eggs and young.(click image for larger pictures.)Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information |
| Harlequin Duck(Historonicus historonicus) - Endangered (2000) |
 Less
than 250 Harlequin Ducks winter on the coast of Nova
Scotia. The eastern sub-species, which occurs here, has
declined. Little is known about it other than that it
breeds along rivers in Labrador and Newfoundland. This
species is at risk because of its small population size
and other factors including illegal hunting and oil
spills. Additional Information |
| Pink Coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea) - Endangered (2000) |
 This
Atlantic Coastal Plain plant species is found in Canada on
the shores of only three lakes in Nova Scotia. Populations
in the United States are also at risk. Threats include:
human alteration and loss of lakeshore habitats, water
pollution, destruction of populations and habitat by ATV's
and other recreational activities.Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information |
| Thread-leaved Sundew (Drosera filiformis) - Endangered (2000) |
 This
Atlantic Coastal Plain plant species is found in Canada in
only five wetland bogs in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Threats to this species include the draining, alteration
and development of bog habitats.Additional Information |
| Eastern Mountain Avens (Geum peckii) - Endangered (2000) |
 This
highly disjunct plant species is found in Canada at only
six sites in Digby Neck and Brier Island. At some sites
the populations have declined substantially or have
disappeared altogether. This is due to habitat loss and
degradation caused by the draining of wetlands and the
invasion of habitat by weeds and shrubs. These invasions
may be the result of nutrient enrichment by large
populations of Herring and Greater black-backed Gulls.Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information — Click for larger image |
| THREATENED |
| Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra) - Threatened (2013) |
 Although Black Ash is Black ash is known from 35-40 sites in 11 counties of Nova Scotia mature individuals are rare and only 12 are known to occur. Total number of known trees in Nova Scotia is approximately 1000. Black ash are wind-pollinated and flower in late May or early June. Seeds are produced at 1 to 8 year intervals and are dispersed from October to the following spring. The number of seeds produced per tree ranges from 2 -1500. Seeds stay in dormancy between 2 to 8 years and seedlings are poor competitors. Black ash can sprout vigorously from stumps after cutting; most regeneration is occurs through this means. The species is slow growing, moderately long-lived with a typical longevity of 130 to 150 years. Black ash is particularly susceptible to fungal diseases, invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer, poor growth and stunting.
Additional Information — click for larger image |
| Brook Floater (Alasmidonta varicosa) - Threatened (2013) |
 Brook Floater is a fresh water mussel known from only 5 locations in Nova Scotia. Threats include alteration of shoreline for development, sedimentation, agricultural practices and changes in quality and quantity of water. Cumulative impacts from one or more of these sources may also be implicated with loss of populations. Additional Information — click for larger image |
| Eastern Baccharis (Baccharis hamilifolia) - Threatened (2013) |
 Eastern Baccaharis is a large perennial shrub that has male and female flowers on different plants. It grows in btween the upper edge of the saltmarsh and the forested upland. Nova Scotia's small population is disjunct, unique in Canada and the nearest populations elsewhere are located in Massachusetts. Two small populations exist in Nova Scotia comprised of about 2800 plants. The primary threat is climate change tied to rising sea levels, storm surge and shore alteration.
Additional Information — click for larger image |
| Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) - Threatened (2013) |
 Olive-sided Flyactcher are one of the most characteristic birds of spruce and fir swamps and bogs with open water in Nova Scotia. The plaintive call can be heard from great distance that many transcribe as `Quick Three Beer!` Long-term declines of 79% across Canada have been punctuated by more recent declines of 29% between 1996-2006. Habitat loss in the wintering grounds, changes in the insect food base and climate change are all factors implicated with the decrease in Olive-sided Flycatchers.Additional Information — click for larger image |
| Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) - Threatened (2013) |
 Whip-poor-will have always been a rare breeding bird in Nova Scotia at the most northern extent of their range in North America. Declines of 30% or more in Canada over the last decade and increasing unpredictability (stochastic) of breeding locations in Nova Scotia are cause for concern. Feeding exclusively on aerial insects, Whip-poor-wills nest in open forests, glades or abandoned roads often near water. Habitat loss in the breeding grounds and wintering grounds in South America are thought to be major threats. Changes in the insect prey base and climate change may also be implicated.Photo — click for larger image Additional Information |
| Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) - Threatened (2013) |
 There may be 2,500 Wood Turtles widely dispersed across river habitats in Nova Scotia, but information suggests that this species is declining. Like other turtles, this species is of concern because even low mortality rates of adults can have serious population impacts. Threats to wood turtles in Nova Scotia include alteration and destruction of river and stream habitats and translocations of turtles by people. (click image for larger pictures)Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information |
| Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) - Threatened (2007) |
 In Canada, this species has shown both long and short-term declines in population. Over the last nine years, a 49 percent decline was observed in survey. Declines have also been observed in Nova Scotia. Reduction in insect food resources has apparently contributed to the decline of this species as with other aerial insectivore. Reduction in habitat availability caused by fire suppression, intensive agriculture and declines in gravel rooftops in urban areas, may also be factors in some regions. Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information: |
| Yellow Lamp Mussel (Lampsilis cariosa) - Threatened (2006) |
 A species of freshwater mussel found in Canada on only two
rivers including the Sydney River, Nova Scotia. The
current population is large and apparently stable, but
confined to a small area. Threats are currently limited,
but the very small and discontinuous range of this species
in Nova Scotia makes it vulnerable to pollution and
degradation of habitat. Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information |
| Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) - Threatened (2003) |
 In Nova Scotia, the Ribbon Snake exists as
a small, isolated post-glacial relic population confined to
the southwest part of the province. This semi-aquatic snake
is restricted to specialized habitats on lakeshores and other
wetland habitats. Little is known about the species. As such,
it is unique and due to its apparently small population is
susceptible to demographic and environmental fluctuations.
In addition, the species is threatened by habitat loss due
to shoreline development. Additional Information |
| VULNERABLE |
| Spotted Pondweed (Potamogeton pulcher)- Vulnerable (2013) |
 Spotted Pondweed is a freshwater aquatic plant and a member of the Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora found almost exclusively in SW Nova Scotia. Potamogeton pulcher is found in only 12 populations in the province, 8 of which are in Queens and Lunenburg County where it does well in highly acidic, nutrient poor wetlands. The most imminent threats to Spotted Pondweed are any activities that change water quality or quantity including those that may eutrophy water. Additional Information |
| Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) - Vulnerable (2013) |
 While snapping turtles remain fairly common in most watersheds in Nova Scotia, populations are under increasing threats. Low recruitment of turtles to breed, high juvenile mortality, nest failures exacerbated by turtles nesting in highly disturbed environments (road edges, quarries), illegal harvest and road mortality all are threats to the province's largest terrestrial/freshwater turtle. Studies from elsewhere in North America suggest that adults can live to be 100 years old. Any activity that causes adult mortality poses an elevated risk to this species. Additional Information |
| Blue Felt Lichen (Degelia plumbea) - Vulnerable (2013) |
 Blue Felt Lichen is known from 88 locations in Nova Scotia that represent a considerable portion of the entire range known in North America. Growing on the trunks of hardwood trees Blue Felt Lichen is threatened by activities that change the relative humidity in the forest and air born pollutants and acid rain that change the chemistry on the bark of trees. Forestry practices that do not adopt precaution to apply appropriate setbacks where the lichen occurs are considered a threat. Additional Information |
| Eastern Wood Peewee (Contopus virens)- Vulnerable (2013) |
Eastern Wood Peewee are one of the most characteristic birds of woodlands in eastern North America, but have suffered ongoing declines over nearly four decades. Feeding almost exclusively on small flying insects, this small flycatcher nests high out on a forked limb finishing its nest with bits of lichen for camouflage. Causes of the declining numbers of Eastern Wood Pewee are unclear, but are thought to be implicated with loss of habitat in the wintering range in South America, forest practices in Canada, climate change and other factors. Additional Information |
| Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) - Vulnerable (2013) |
 Bobolinks are a bird of open grasslands and hayfields, habitats that in Nova Scotia were probably rare prior to settlement by Europeans. Boblinks have declined steadily over nearly three decades and are threatened by hay mowing that kills young and destroys nests. Other threats implicated with continent wide declines are poorly understood, but maybe implicated with loss of wintering habitat in the central United States and control programs for blackbirds within this area of their range. Additional Information |
| Golden-crest (Lophiola aurea) - Vulnerable (2013) |
Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information |
| Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliana) - Vulnerable (2013) |
|
| Tubercled Spike-rush (Eleocharis tuberculosa) - Vulnerable (2013) |
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| Peregrine Falcon (Falco perigrinus anatum) - Vulnerable (2007) |
 Continental populations of Peregrine Falcon have shown continuing increases in population size since the 1970's up to near historical numbers. In Nova Scotia, the species has recovered in the Bay of Fundy area and numbers nesting may exceed historical levels. This recovery has been the result of reintroductions across much of Southern Canada, and natural increases in productivity following the ban in Canada of organochlorine pesticides (e.g. DDT). These compounds were the primary factor responsible for the historic decline and continue to be found in peregrine tissues, but at levels that do not significantly affect reproductive success. The unknown effects of new pesticides regularly licensed for use in Canada are also a concern.Photo by Mark Elderkin Additional Information — Click for larger image |
| Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) - Vulnerable (2006) |
 Cedar is an uncommon tree in Nova Scotia and currently
only 32 stands in five counties have been identified. The
population is fragmented and comprised of mostly small
stands that appear genetically separate from each. Most
populations are different from populations in NB and PEI.
Almost all of the cedar are located on private land and
only one stand is formally protected. In the recent past
stands have been lost to forest harvesting and highway
construction. Ornamental cedars of the same species have
been planted around homes and in gardens; these trees are
not considered part of the native population and are not
covered by the listing under the Act.Additional Information |
| Eastern Lilaeopsis (Lilaeopsis chinensis) - Vulnerable (2006) |
 Lilaeopsis is a small perennial herb reproducing both by
seed and extensively by vegetative spread. It is highly
restricted geographically and present in Canada at only
three estuaries in Nova Scotia. Despite this, the
population is large. No declines of significance have been
documented over the last 15 years. It does not appear to
have any imminent threats; however, future shoreline
development or degradation could destroy extant
populations.Additional Information |
| Prototype Quillwort(Isoetes prototypes) - Vulnerable (2006) |
 A regional endemic with almost all of its global
population in Canada . The species is an aquatic perennial
with very specific habitat requirements limiting its
occurrence in Canada to about 12 small unconnected lakes,
9 of which are in Nova Scotia. The species is found in
nutrient-poor, cold, spring-fed lakes. Although several
sites have been shown to contain large numbers of plants,
one half of the documented sites contain small
populations. A wide range of potential limiting factors
could impact the species, including changes in water
quality, boating and shoreline development.Additional Information |
| New Jersey Rush (Juncus caesariensis) - Vulnerable (2001) |
 An
Atlantic Coastal Plain species in Canada known only from
sixteen bogs and fens in south eastern Cape Breton. The
species grows on the edge of bogs and fens. It is locally
abundant in some sites and Nova Scotia supports over fifty
percent of the world's population. Land use activities
that disrupt the integrity of the edge of these bogs could
compromise the survival of this species.Additional Information |
| Long's Bulrush (Scirpus longii) - Vulnerable (2001) |
 An
Atlantic Coastal Plain species in Canada known from ten
sites in Nova Scotia. It is a very long-lived plant that
forms conspicuous circular clones. It inhabits bogs and
other wetlands. The populations have been impacted by
wetland modification in the past and would be susceptible
to wetland development in the future.Additional Information |
| Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) - Vulnerable (2000) |
 An
Atlantic Coastal Plain species of shrub that is found in
Canada only on six lakeshores in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Three of these populations, discovered in the past three
years, are large and indicate that the plant is more
abundant that previously thought. However, there is still
concern that this long-lived perennial may have limited
sexual reproduction in Nova Scotia, where it is at the
northern limit of its range.Additional Information |
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| EXTIRPATED |
|
Eastern Wolf(Canis Lupis) - Extirpated (2006) |
 The wolf appears always to have been rare in Nova Scotia,
although the reasons for its rarity are not understood.
There is no evidence that the species bred here but it has
been suggested that it periodically moved into Nova Scotia
from New Brunswick. Wolves were present around 1786, in
the 1830's and 1845. Although bounties were offered for
wolf from 1796 to 1846 very few were paid out, further
support for the view that there were very few wolves in
Nova Scotia. The species is thought to be extirpated from
the Nova Scotia since the mid 1800's.Additional Information |
|
Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus - Extirpated (2006) |
 Prior to settlement by Europeans, caribou were common and
throughout much of Nova Scotia. Their extirpation was well
under way by the 1830's. By 1905 on the mainland and 1912
on Cape Breton Island caribou were virtually extirpated.
Animals were seen after this; the last one shot on Cape
Breton in 1921. The decline of caribou was the result of a
complex of interacting factors including loss of habitat
through fires and forest harvesting, hunting, warming
climate and competition/disease associated with increasing
white-tailed deer numbers. Failed re-introduction attempts
were made in the province in 1939 and in the late 1960's.
The closest living relatives of Nova Scotia caribou are
likely the boreal small Gaspé population. These animals
were listed by COSEWIC as Endangered in 2002.Additional Information |
|
Atlantic Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus - Extirpated (2006) |
 Walrus was known to breed on Sable Island but were hunted
for their oil and virtually disappeared from Nova Scotia
waters by the late 1800's. Although the species has been
extirpated from the Northwest Atlantic (Nova Scotia), the
Mackenzie Delta and the St. Lawrence River, it occurs
widely in northern waters from the polar ice-sheet in the
Arctic Ocean to the Bering Sea, James Bay and the Labrador
coast. It is thought that these walrus are affected by
toxic substances built up in their organs, harvest, oil
spills, and other human disturbances but the extent of the
negative impacts is not known. Occasional stragglers from
the latter population are seen in Nova Scotia waters.Additional Information |
| EXTINCT |
| Sea Mink(Mustela macrodon) - Extinct (2006) |
|
Little is known about the biology of the Sea Mink. It was
only recognized as a distinct species after it was already
extinct. The Sea Mink inhabited the ocean coast,
particularly rocky coasts and offshore islands. The
species range is not known, but is believed to have
extended from Connecticut to the Bay of Fundy, and
possibly to Newfoundland. Its extinction probably resulted
from over harvesting for the fur trade. The last specimen
was taken at Campobello Island, New Brunswick, about 1894. Additional Information |
| Labrador Duck(Camptorynchus labradorius - Extinct (2006) |
 The Labrador Duck is thought to have bred in Labrador. It
had a very limited breeding range and was never abundant.
During the winter, these ducks were seen as far south as
Chesapeake Bay. There are several confirmed records for
Labrador Duck in Nova Scotia. The last living individual
was seen at Elmira, New York, in 1878. The reasons for its
extinction are unknown.Additional Information |
| Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) - Extinct (2006) |
 The Passenger Pigeon was once common in the deciduous
forests of eastern North America and commonly bred in Nova
Scotia. During migrations, Passenger Pigeons were once so
numerous that they darkened the sky. Numbers of Passenger
Pigeons were greatly reduced by market hunting, but this
slaughter ceased while tens of thousands of the birds
still remained, and suitable habitat still existed. It has
been suggested that the colonies may have become so small
that predators were able to have a significant impact. In
Nova Scotia, the Passenger Pigeon had all but disappeared
by the 1850's. The last individual died in captivity, in
Cincinnati, Ohio, on 1 September 1914.Additional Information |
| Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis) - Extinct (2006) |
 The Great Auk was the largest and only flightless member
of the Auk family. It nested in large colonies on coastal
islands. Each nesting pair produced only one egg, laid on
bare rock, per year. The Great Auk bred along both coasts
of the North Atlantic Ocean. In Canada , it was found only
in Newfoundland, on the Magdalen Islands, New Brunswick
and Nova Scotia. In Nova Scotia evidence of this species
is limited to bones found in shell heaps. Great Auks were
hunted extensively for feathers used in bedding, as well
as for food. Their eggs were extensively collected even
the chicks were harvested for fish bait. The last Great
Auk was killed in Iceland on June 3, 1844.Additional Information |
| Eelgrass Limpet (Lottia alveus alveus - Extinct (2006) |
 The Northwest Atlantic subspecies of the Eelgrass Limpet
occurred only on the blades of Eelgrass, Zostera marina,
The limpet has not been collected since 1929. It was first
described in 1831 in Massachusetts and was reported from
Labrador to New York. It is the first maritime
invertebrate known to have become extinct. The limpet's
decline and ultimate extinction have been linked to the
dramatic and extensive decline in eelgrass that was likely
caused by the slime mould Labyrinthula. The plant's
decline caused other repercussions in the marine ecosystem
as well, including large reductions in migratory waterfowl
populations, loss of commercial scallop fisheries, and
alterations of near-shore soft sediment habitats.Additional Information |
An Atlantic Coastal Plain species, known in Canada only from a small number of lakeshores in Nova Scotia. The populations are small and very restricted in distribution. Threats to the species include; human alteration and loss of lakeshore habitats, water pollution, destruction of populations and habitat by ATV's and other recreational activities.
This Atlantic Coastal Plain plant species is found in Canada on the shores of only five lakes in Nova Scotia. One population is considered a distinct endemic form (E. tuberculosa, forma pubnicoensis) Some populations of this species in the United States are also at risk. Threats to this species are linked to: its small, very localized populations, human alteration and loss of lakeshore habitats, destruction of populations and habitat by ATV's and other recreational activities.