News release

Nova Scotia Adds to Endangered Species List

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Twelve Nova Scotia wildlife species have been added to the province's endangered species list.

The list, created under the Endangered Species Act, now includes a freshwater mussel, three new plant species and a number of other new animals.

The freshwater mussel species, the yellow lamp mussel, has been categorized as a threatened species. It is found in only two rivers in Canada, including Sydney River on Cape Breton Island. Threatened species are defined as species that may become endangered if sufficient conservation action is not taken.

Three plant species -- Eastern white cedar, lileopsis and prototype quillwort -- were all categorized as vulnerable. Under the act vulnerable means: "a species of special concern due to characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events."

Eastern white cedar has always been recognized as uncommon in Nova Scotia and is currently found at only 32 sites. Department of Natural Resources staff will work with landowners and the conservation community to increase awareness about that cedar in the province and develop a management plan to support its conservation.

"By addressing the impacts of our activities on species at risk we contribute to our broader goal of environmental sustainability," said Natural Resources Minister Brooke Taylor. "While many people in Nova Scotia are taking the situation seriously, I encourage all Nova Scotians to learn what species are at risk in their communities and to support wildlife conservation efforts."

During this round of assessments, several species were categorized as extinct or extirpated. Extinct species no longer exist in the world. An extirpated species no longer exists in the wild in Nova Scotia, but exists in the wild outside the province.

Sea mink, great auk, Labrador duck, passenger pigeon and eelgrass limpet have been listed as extinct while Eastern wolf, woodland caribou and Atlantic walrus were listed as extirpated.

Provincial and federal legislation together provide protection for species at risk. Nova Scotia's Endangered Species Act prohibits activities that could disturb or destroy threatened or endangered species.

A total of 36 species have now been listed under the Endangered Species Act in Nova Scotia. Species at risk are determined by the Nova Scotia Species at Risk Working Group, a group of independent science experts.

A complete list of species at risk and the reasons for their listings are available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/endngrd/specieslist.htm .