Nova Scotia Protects Wildlife Species at Risk

The first 10 species to be protected under the new Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act were announced today by Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage.

"I am very pleased to be able to release the initial list of species at risk," said Mr. Fage. "We are committed to protecting these species and will ensure that our endangered species legislation is implemented."

The 10 species at risk include seven endangered species (Blanding's turtle, roseate tern, piping plover, harlequin duck, pink coreopsis, thread-leaved sundew, Eastern mountain aven); one threatened species (peregrine falcon); and two vulnerable species (wood turtle, sweet pepperbush).

The act provides for the prohibition of killing, disturbance and sale of these species and the destruction and disturbance of their specific dwelling place as well as the protection of the species' core habitat where required. It also provides for the appointment of recovery teams, a time frame for completing recovery plans and their implementation.

The new act was proclaimed in May 1999 and is part of the province's commitment under the National Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk.

"This act is the first post-accord legislation in Canada and is currently considered the best species at risk legislation in the country," said Mr. Fage.

Last fall, the minister appointed six scientists to the Nova Scotia Species at Risk Working Group to assess the status of wildlife species and determine which species are at risk and require protection. This group looks at criteria and scientific information, such as declines in populations, to determine whether the plant or animal is endangered, threatened or vulnerable.

Members of the working group include the following individuals:
Sherman Boates; Liette Vasseur; Ruth Newell; Fred Scott; Tom Herman; and Marty Leonard. All members have expertise in wildlife and conservation biology.

These 10 species are currently listed at risk nationally by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Recovery work has already been underway for nine of the 10 species. There is no formal recovery process for the Eastern mountain avens, but work on this species will begin soon.

"The working group will continue to assess the status of these species and keep me informed of any additions and revisions to the list," said Mr. Fage. "I want to thank them for their hard work to date."