Appendix A provides a table showing species listed by COSEWIC as extirpated, endangered or threatened with an indication of those listings that should be removed for various reasons and an explanation for their removal. Species assigned by COSEWIC to the categories "extinct" and "vulnerable" are not included in the table: extinct species should be removed from COSEWIC's list because they are no longer at risk. It is also reasonable to exclude vulnerable species because they are not actually at risk but just of special concern. Indeed, this latter category is particularly subjective since, in a dynamic system that is constantly changing, species are in some sense always vulnerable to various kinds of natural and human influences.
X in the fourth column indicates that this entry should be deleted from COSEWIC's list; numbers in the fifth column give the reason: 1. distinct population listing (in many cases, the species appears more than once on the COSEWIC list); 2. listing is a subspecies; 3. northernmost range in Canada (species thought to be at their northernmost range in Canada but rare in the United States remain on the list); 4. species is abundant. |
Species |
Class |
Category |
Del-ete |
Reason |
Comments |
Bear, Grizzly (Ursus arctos) (Prairie population) |
Mammal |
Extirpated |
X
|
1 |
The prairie population of Grizzly bears is not a species and should not be on COSEWIC's list as a separate listing. According to COSEWIC, the prairie population has been extirpated since the 1880s. Grizzly bears are also listed in the vulnerable category. |
Ferret, Black-footed
(Mustela nigripes) |
Mammal |
Extirpated |
|
|
Declared extirpated in 1978, affected by a lack of the prey species, Black-tailed prairie dogs. |
Walrus, Atlantic
(Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) (Northwest Atlantic population) |
Mammal |
Extirpated |
X
|
1, 2 |
Extirpated prior to 1800 through overhunting and exploitation. The Eastern Arctic population of Atlantic Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) was examined by COSEWIC and designated in the Not at Risk Category in 1993. Population is stable and reproducing successfully. |
Whale, Gray
(Eschrichtius robustus)
(Atlantic Population) |
Mammal |
Extirpated |
X
|
1 |
The Northeast Pacific population of Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) was examined and designated in the Not at Risk Category by COSEWIC in 1987. The Atlantic population of Gray Whales is recovering from overhunting in the nineteenth century. They are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the International Whaling Commission (IWC). |
Grouse, Sage
(Centrocercus urophasianus phasio)
(British Columbia population) |
Bird |
Extirpated |
X
|
1, 2 |
The Prairie population of Sage Grouse (Centrocercus uphrasianus uphrasianus) appears in the Endangered category. It should not appear on the list twice. |
Prairie-Chicken, Greater
(Tympanuchus cupido) |
Bird |
Extirpated |
|
|
Declared endangered in 1978. The last Canadian sighting was in 1987 and the species was declared extirpated in 1990. |
Lizard, Pygmy Short-horned (Phrynosoma douglassii
douglassii) (BC Population) |
Reptile |
Extirpated |
X
|
1, 2 |
Another subspecies, the Eastern Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglassii brevirostre) is listed as Vulnerable.The Pygmy Short-horned Lizard is thought to have been extirpated as a result of habitat loss and degradation in the South Okanagan ecosystem. |
Chub, Gravel
(Erimystax x-punctatus) |
Fish |
Extirpated |
|
|
Last recorded in Canada in 1958 in Thames River drainage. Declared extirpated in 1987. Affected by siltation of habitat. The range for this species is wide but discontinuous in eastern central North America, where it is not common. Viable populations of the subspecies H. x-punctata trautmani still exist in Ontario. |
Paddlefish
(Polyodon spathula) |
Fish |
Extirpated |
X
|
3 |
Last reported in 1913, the paddlefish was declared extirpated in 1987 due to overfishing. The Canadian population, however, is probably a relict population and definitely at the northern edge of its range. |
Wedgemussel, Dwarf
(Alasmidonta heterodon) |
Mollusca |
Extirpated |
|
|
Declared extirpated in 1999. Thought to be affected by degradation of habitat and competition from introduced species. |
Marble, Island
(Euchloe ausonides) |
Lepid-optera |
Extirpated |
|
|
Declared extirpated in 1999. |
Frosted Elfin
(Incisalia irus) |
Lepid-optera |
Extirpated |
|
|
Declared extirpated in 1999. |
Butterfly, Karner Blue
(Lycaeides melissa samuelis) |
Lepid-optera |
Extirpated |
|
|
No sightings since 1991; declared extirpated in 1997. Efforts to rebuild and protect this species are underway in the United States. |
Blue-eyed Mary
(Collinsia verna) |
Plant |
Extirpated |
|
|
No recorded sightings since 1954. Declared extirpated in 1987. Canada is the northern extent of its range. There are some populations in the United States, but they are rare. |
Trefoil, Illinois Tick
(Desmodium illinoense) |
Plant |
Extirpated |
|
|
No recorded sightings since 1888. Declared extirpated in 1991. Canada is the northern edge of its range, which extends north and west of the Ohio River, east of the Great Plains, and down to central Texas. It was extirpated through habitat loss at the northern extent of its range. |
Caribou, Peary
(Rangifer tarandus pearyi) (Banks Island population) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
|
|
Peary Caribou were considered one population and designated as threatened in 1979, but split into three in 1991 when the Banks Island population was uplisted to endangered. Possibly affected by climate change. Possibly affected by hunting and other human activities. |
Caribou, Peary
(Rangifer tarandus pearyi)
(High Arctic population) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
X
|
1 |
The High Arctic and Banks Island populations of Peary Caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) are separately listed as endangered, and the Low Arctic population of Peary Caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) is separately listed as threatened. The same species should not appear as three separate entries to be counted and reported as three species at risk. This population is possibly affected by climate change, disruption by human activity, and overhunting. |
Fox, Swift
(Vulpes velox) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
|
|
Designated as extirpated in 1978, downlisted to endangered in 1998. At the northern extent of its range in Canada. Affected by shooting, trapping, and poisoning campaigns carried out against coyotes. |
Marmot, Vancouver Island
(Marmota vancouverensis) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by limited, fragmented, and isolated habitats, and human activities. |
Marten (Martes
americana atrata) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. Also known as the Newfoundland Pine Marten. Considered not to be at risk in 1979, uplisted to threatened in 1986, uplisted to endangered in 1996. Affected by overtrapping and habitat degradation (forest management), and mostly restricted to pockets of old growth habitat in western Newfoundland. There are viable populations of Pine Marten in Michigan, where the species has recovered to the point where its removal from the American list is expected. |
Whale, Bowhead
(Balaena mysticetus)
(Eastern Arctic population) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
|
|
Recovering from past whaling but affected by continued hunting in the Arctic. Whales are protected by IWC and CITES. |
Whale, Bowhead
(Balaena mysticetus)
(Western Arctic population) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
X
|
1 |
Eastern Arctic and Western Arctic populations of the Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus) are listed separately as endangered; they should not be listed as two species at risk. This population is now recovering from past whaling but is still affected by continued hunting in the Arctic. Whales are protected by IWC and CITES. |
Whale, Right
(Eubalaena glacialis) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
|
|
Recovering from past over-hunting. |
Whale, White (Beluga)
(Delphinapterus leucas)
(St. Lawrence River population) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
|
|
At risk from severe habitat degradation and pollution in the St. Lawrence River, and recovering from past over-hunting. |
Whale, White (Beluga)
(Delphinapterus leucas)
(Ungava Bay population) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
X
|
1 |
The Beaufort Sea/Arctic Ocean and West Hudson Bay populations are considered Not at Risk. The St. Lawrence River population, Ungava Bay population, and SE Baffin Island-Cumberland Sound populations of White (Beluga) Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) are listed separately as Endangered. The Eastern Hudson Bay population of White (Beluga) Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is listed separately as Threatened. The Eastern High Arctic/Baffin Bay population of White (Beluga) Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is listed separately as Vulnerable. The Beluga should not be counted as five separate species at risk. The Ungava Bay population is recovering from past over-hunting and is at risk from very low recruitment, ice and shallow water entrapment, and predation by polar bears and killer whales. |
Whale, White (Beluga)
(Delphinapterus leucas)
(Southeast Baffin Island/Cumberland Sound population) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
X
|
1 |
See Ungava Bay population. The Southeast Baffin Island/Cumberland Sound population is recovering from past over-hunting and is at risk from very low recruitment, ice entrapment, predation by polar bears and killer whales, and shallow water entrapment. |
Wolverine
(Gulo gulo)
(Eastern population) |
Mammal |
Endangered |
X
|
1 |
The Western population of Wolverine (Gulo gulo) is listed separately as Vulnerable. Considered one population in 1982; split into two populations in 1989: western population--Vulnerable; eastern population--Endangered. |
Bobwhite, Northern
(Colinus virginianus) |
Bird |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Affected by habitat loss and fragmentation but at northern extent of range and "generally widespread and common throughout its range in eastern North America, with the exception of the western and northern peripheries" (Page and Austen 1994: 1). |
Crane, Whooping
(Grus americana) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by restricted breeding grounds and human activity and development. |
Curlew, Eskimo
(Numenius borealis) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
Once massively abundant, numbering in the millions in the 1880s, the Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) was called the "Prairie Pigeon," likening it to the Passenger Pigeon. Overhunted as food for fishermen and homesteaders, the very few remaining are affected by habitat loss. |
Duck, Harlequin
(Histrionicus histrionicus)
(Eastern population) |
Bird |
Endangered |
X
|
1 |
Specific population. The large Pacific population may have 1 million birds. The Eastern population is affected by loss and degradation of its habitat. Like other birds and water fowl, it is protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act and provincial regulations. |
Flycatcher, Acadian
(Empidonax virescens) |
Bird |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Affected by habitat loss and degradation but at northern extent of breeding range. Widespread and common in the eastern United States. |
Grouse, Sage
(Centrocercus urophasianus urophasianus)
(Prairie population) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
Subspecies. Given conditional designation as threatened in 1997; uplisted to endangered in 1998 based on a revised status report. Affected by habitat loss. See the British Columbia population of Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus urophasio) subspecies, which is listed as extirpated. |
Owl, Barn
(Tyto alba)
(Eastern population) |
Bird |
Endangered |
X
|
1, 3 |
The Western population of Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is listed separately as vulnerable. At the northern extent of its range, the Barn Owl residing in Ontario is affected by a low tolerance for cold winters, and has extensive range in the United States. |
Owl, Burrowing
(Speotyto cunicularia) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
At northern extent of range, affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, predation, and pesticides. |
Owl, Spotted
(Strix occidentalis) |
Bird |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range, which extends down the Pacific coast to Mexico. Affected by loss of its old-growth habitat. |
Plover, Mountain
(Charadrius montanus)
(East and prairies population) |
Bird |
Endangered |
X
|
1, 3 |
Specific population. Affected by overhunting until 1900. At northern extent of range and never common in Canada; abundant range in the United States. |
Plover, Piping
(Charadrius melodus) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat destruction and human disruption; it is a beach-dwelling shorebird. |
Rail, King
(Rallus elegans) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
Designated as rare in 1985, uplisted to endangered in 1994. Affected by habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation but at the northern extent of breeding range in southern Ontario, although declines have also been reported across the northern and midwestern United States. |
Shrike, Loggerhead
(Lanius ludovicianus migrans) (Eastern population) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
Subspecies and specific population. Considered one population and designated as threatened in 1986, Eastern subspecies of Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) uplisted to endangered in 1991, while the Prairie subspecies (Lanius ludovicianus excubiorides) is listed separately as threatened. Affected by habitat loss, pesticides, human disruption. Canada is the northern extent of its range but it is also At Risk in the United States. |
Sparrow, Henslow's
(Ammodramus henslowii) |
Bird |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Designated as threatened in 1984, uplisted to endangered in 1993. At the northern extent of its range: "no more than one to three breeding pairs of Henslow's sparrow have been documented since 1991 in southern Ontario, which marks the northern limit of its breeding range" Renew 1996/97: 7. "Henslow's Sparrow probably expanded its range into Ontario during the early decades of the twentieth century, following the clearing of forests. It is unclear whether the species bred in the province prior to settlement (Knapton 1982)" (Austen and Cadman 1993:1). Abundant range in the United States and not at risk in several states. |
Tern, Roseate
(Sterna dougallii) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
At the northern extent of its range in Canada; affected by predation by gulls at its breeding grounds and human disruption at its wintering grounds. The Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) was overhunted during the plume trade from 1876 to 1888. |
Thrasher, Sage
(Oreoscoptes montanus) |
Bird |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Small population at northern extent of range. "Historical populations (pre-1920) in British Columbia may have been as high as 30 pairs but since 1980 only 5 to 10 pairs (Cannings 1992: 1). Inhabitant of the South Okanagan Ecosystem. |
Warbler, Kirtland's
(Dendroica kirtlandii) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
"In Canada, there have been no confirmed breeding records for Kirtland's warbler since the 1970s . . . The warbler is now known to breed only in Michigan" (Renew 1996/97: 7). |
Warbler, Prothonotary
(Protonotaria citrea) |
Bird |
Endangered |
|
|
Limited habitat at the northern extent of its range, there has been a range-wide decline in numbers due to lack of suitable habitat and competition for nest sites. |
Frog, Northern Cricket
(Acris crepitans) |
Amphibian |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Formerly listed as Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi). Rare in Canada but widespread in United States. Affected by habitat loss and predation. |
Frog, Northern Leopard
(Rana pipiens)
(Southern Mountain populations) |
Amphibian |
Endangered |
X
|
1 |
The Prairie population of Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) is separately listed as Vulnerable. The species should not be listed twice. |
Snake, Blue Racer
(Coluber constrictor foxii) |
Reptile |
Endangered |
X
|
2, 3 |
Subspecies. Northernmost extent of its range and not at risk in the United States. Affected by habitat succession and increased development and tourism. |
Snake, Lake Erie Water
(Nerodia sipedon insularum) |
Reptile |
Endangered |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. Limited range; rare subspecies. Affected by habitat loss and human activity. Apparently, the island subspecies is vulnerable to "genetic swamping" by emigrating mainland water snakes. |
Snake, Sharp-tailed
(Contia tenuis) |
Reptile |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
At northern extent of range. May be affected by loss of old-growth Douglas fir but abundant in California and Oregon. |
Turtle, Leatherback
(Dermochelys coriacea) |
Reptile |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by pollution, entanglement in fishermen's nets, and natural predation of nesting sites. Northernmost extent of range, but Listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Canada is a signatory nation. |
Dace, Nooksack
(Rhinicthys sp.) |
Fish |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss and degradation, but species is widespread throughout Washington. |
Sucker, Salish
(Catostomus sp.) |
Fish |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss; limited range. |
Trout, Aurora
(Salvelinus fontinalis timagamiensis) |
Fish |
Endangered |
|
|
Subspecies. Affected by habitat degradation; only surviving stocks are being maintained through hatcheries. |
Whitefish, Atlantic
(Coregonus hunts-mani) |
Fish |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss due to dam-building, overfishing, and habitat degradation due to acidification of rivers and watershed. A "uniquely Canadian species found only in southern Nova Scotia" (Edge 1984: 1) |
Bean, Rayed
(Villosa fabalis) |
Mollusk |
Endangered |
|
|
|
Lampmussel, Wavy-rayed
(Lampsilis fasciola) |
Mollusk |
Endangered |
|
|
|
Physa, Hotwater
(Physella wrighti) |
Mollusk |
Endangered |
|
|
|
Riffleshell, Northern
(Epioblasma torulosa rangiana) |
Mollusk |
Endangered |
|
|
Subspecies. |
Butterfly, Maritime Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia nipisquit) |
Lepid-optera |
Endangered |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. Affected by habitat degradation and human encroachment within a limited habitat. |
Agalinis, Gattinger's
(Agalinis gattingeris) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; abundant range in the United States but not overly common. |
Agalinis, Skinner's
(Agalinis skinneriana) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; abundant range in the United States but not overly common. Possibly a "waning species" that is naturally in decline. |
Ammannia, Scarlet
(Ammannia robusta) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
|
Avens, Eastern Mountain
(Geum peckii) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Limited distribution affected by expanding gull colony and development. |
Bluehearts
(Buchnera americana) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
At northern extent of range; population is isolated from main ranges in the United States. |
Balsamroot, Deltoid
(Balsamorhiza deltoidea) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
At northern extent of range; affected by development and competition by introduced species. |
Braya, Long's (Braya longii) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
|
Buttercup, Water-plantain
(Ramunclus alismaefolius
var. alismaefolius) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
2, 3 |
Subspecies. At northern extent of range; affected by habitat loss and degradation and by competition with introduced species. Abundant populations in the United States. |
Cactus, Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
At northern extent of range; threatened by people trampling, digging, and removing plants. It is also threatened by natural forest succession because it does not thrive in shade. |
Clover, Bearded Owl
(Triphysaria versicolor
ssp. versicolor) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. |
Clover, Slender Bush
(Lespedeza virginica) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Single, small population in an urban area in Canada at the northern extent of its range. Common in the United States where its range extends from central and eastern United States down to Texas and northern Florida. |
Coreopsis, Pink
(Coreopsis rosea) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Northern extent of its range and threatened by cottage development. Rare in the United States as well. |
Cryptanthe, Tiny
(Cryptantha minima) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
|
Fern, Southern Maidenhair
(Adiantum capillus-veneris) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; common across southern United States and into the tropics. |
Gentian, White Prairie
(Gentiana alba) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Isolated population in Canada; abundant range throughout United States but uncommon and affected by hybridization. |
Ginseng, American
(Panax quinquefolium) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Threatened by overharvest of roots for international sale. It will soon be listed and protected from international trade under CITES. |
Goldenrod, Showy
(Solidago speciosa
var. rigidiuscula) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. |
Lady's Slipper, Small White (Cypripedium candidum) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Extreme northern extent of range; more range and more common in the United States but some state protection is in effect. |
Lotus, Seaside Birds-foot
(Lotus formosissimus) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Disjunct population on Vancouver Island is at risk from habitat loss; main range extends down the west coast of North America to California. |
Lousewort, Furbish's
(Pedicularis furbishiae) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Known population in Canada and United States totals 1,115 plants. Their limited habitat may by affected by the planned construction of a hydroelectric dam in New Brunswick. |
Lupine, Prairie
(Lupinus lepidus var. lepidus) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
2, 3 |
Subspecies. Affected by habitat loss and degradation, and competition from introduced species within a limited range. Northern extent of range, and common in Washington and Oregon. |
Milkwort, Pink
(Polygala incarnata) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss to agriculture; at the northern extent of range. Extensive range in the United States but some state listings. |
Mint, Hoary Mountain
(Pycnanthemum incanum) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Affected by human disturbance; widespread throughout eastern United States. |
Mouse-ear cress, Slender
(Halimolobos virgata) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss and competition from invasive weeds. Northern extent of range; affected by grazing and fire control. Rare in the United States. |
Mulberry, Red
(Morus rubra) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
At northern extent of range; affected by "genetic swamping" by White Mulberry. |
Orchid, Western Prairie White Fringed (Platanthera praeclara) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Divided into subspecies in 1986; the Eastern Prairie White Fringed Orchid is listed separately as Vulnerable. Affected by habitat loss and at risk in the United States. |
Plantain, Heart-leaved
(Plantago cordata) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat degradation and destruction and a lack of adaptability; rare throughout North America. |
Pogonia, Large Whorled
(Isotria verticillata) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; mainly located from Florida to New England and Michigan. Common in parts of its American range. |
Pogonia, Nodding
(Triphora trianthophora) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of extensive range from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. Affected in Canada by livestock grazing and by habitat degradation and loss. |
Pogonia, Small Whorled
(Isotria medeoloides) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss to urbanization and development. Northern extent of range; mainly located from Florida to New England and Michigan but at risk in United States. Considered to be "the rarest orchid in the northeastern United States and Canada" (Brownell 1982: 1)) |
Poppy, Wood
(Stylphorum diphyllum) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
A small population was deliberately transplanted to Canada, the extreme northern extent of its range. The species is not at all threatened globally. In Canada, existing plants are threatened by habitat alteration and by gardeners wanting to transplant specimens to their gardens. |
Quillwort, Engelmann's
(Isoetes engelmannii) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Affected by habitat loss but at northern extent of range; relatively abundant in the United States and not listed there. |
Sedge, Juniper
(Carex juniperorum) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
|
Sundew, Thread-leaved
(Drosera filiformis) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range, which extends down to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Known only recently to exist in southwestern Nova Scotia. |
Thistle, Pitcher's
(Cirsium pitcheri) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Endemic to sand dune; at risk from recreational use of dunes and natural predation by the Plume Moth Larva. |
Toothcup
(Rotala ramosior) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
|
Tree, Cucumber
(Magnolia acuminata) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss to agriculture; at the northern extent of range but also at risk in the United States. |
Trillium, Drooping
(Trillium flexipes) |
Plant |
Endangered |
|
|
Affected by disturbance from recreational activities; at risk in some states. |
Twayblade, Purple
(Liparis liliifolia) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; common across eastern and midwestern United States. Threatened by increased succession of second growth woods as the species will not tolerate dense shade. |
Wintergreen, Spotted
(Chimaphila maculata) |
Plant |
Endangered |
X
|
3 |
Affected by habitat loss but at northern extent of range; abundant range in United States. |
Seaside Centipede
(Heterodermia stitchensis |
Lichen |
Endangered |
|
|
Endemic to west coast of Vancouver Island only; highly restricted habitat requirements. |
Bison, Wood
(Bison bison athabascae) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
|
|
Subspecies: designated as endangered in 1978, down-listed to threatened in 1988. It was affected by over-hunting, hybridization, and tuberculosis but is now recovering in several, separate populations (kept geographically separate to prevent "genetic swamping") that have reached optimum level. It should soon be removed from the list as populations have now reached havestable numbers. It was recently removed from the CITES list because of the potential benefits of its sustainable use. |
Caribou, Peary
(Rangifer tarandus pearyi)
(Low Arctic population) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
X
|
1 |
See High Arctic population listed as endangered. |
Caribou, Woodland
(Rangifer tarandus caribou) (Gaspe population) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
X
|
1, 4 |
The Western population of Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) is listed separately as Vulnerable; the Gaspe population is a subspecies and a specific population; this is probably an anomalous population that should not be indigenous to Gaspé. There are over 400,000 Woodland Caribou in Canada. |
Mole, Townsend's
(Scapanus townsendii) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Affected by habitat loss but widespread and abundant throughout western North America. Not at risk in Oregon or Washington and not considered "Wildlife" but a vermin nuisance species. Affected by population growth of humans in the Fraser Valley. |
Otter, Sea
(Enhydra lutris) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
|
|
Designated as endangered in 1978, confirmed as endangered in 1986, downlisted to threatened in 1996. Affected by oil spills, fisheries conflicts, and predation, and recovering from fur hunting. Range extends around northern edge of Pacific rim. |
Porpoise, Harbour
(Phocoena phocoena)
(Northwest Atlantic population) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
X
|
1 |
Specific population. Designated threatened in 1990, confirmed as endangered in 1986, downlisted to threatened in 1996. Affected by entanglement in fishing nets. |
Shrew, Pacific Water
(Sorex bendirii) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss and fragmentation by the urban sprawl of Vancouver, British Columbia. Small populations exist in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. |
Whale, Humpback
(Megaptera novaeangliae) (North Pacific population) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
|
|
Specific population. West Atlantic population of Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) listed separately as vulnerable. Recovering from whaling and affected by limited numbers and human disturbances. |
Whale, White (Beluga)
(Delphinapterus leucas) (Eastern Hudson Bay population) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
X
|
1 |
See Ungava Bay population of White (Beluga) Whale (Delphinapterus leucas), listed separately as "endangered." Recovering from past overwhaling. |
Whale, Killer
(Orcinus orca) ("Resident" Pacific populations) |
Mammal |
Threatened |
X
|
1, 4 |
Specific population, "resident" along the Pacific coast of British Columbia; "transient" and "offshore" populations of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) are found in every ocean of the world. |
Chat, Yellow-breasted
(Icteria virens auricollis)
(British Columbia population) |
Bird |
Threatened |
X
|
1, 2 |
Subspecies and specific population. Affected by habitat loss and at northern limit of breeding range. Part of the South Okanagan Ecosystem. The Eastern population is listed separately as Vulnerable and the Prairie population is considered to be Not at Risk. |
Falcon, Anatum Peregrine
(Falco peregrinus anatum) |
Bird |
Threatened |
X
|
4 |
The population of Anatum Peregrine Falcon was affected by pesticides (DDT) and overcapture by falconers. COSEWIC changed its category from Endangered to Threatened in 1999. It should be deleted from COSEWIC's list because DDT is no longer a threat, American populations have recovered and been de-listed, and it is protected from trade by CITES. |
Murrelet, Marbled
(Brachyramphus marmoratus) |
Bird |
Threatened |
X
|
4 |
Nests in old-growth forests on the Pacific coast so its habitat is considered to be in danger. Little is known about how adaptable the Marbled Murrelet is to changes in habitat. Population is thought to be 45,000. |
Pipit, Sprague's
(Anthus spragueii) |
Bird |
Threatened |
|
|
|
Shrike, Loggerhead
(Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides)
(Prairie population) |
Bird |
Threatened |
X
|
1, 2, 3 |
Subspecies and specific population. At northern extent of range and affected by habitat loss, pesticides, human disruption, and climate. Declining numbers over the last 25 years. Considered to be one population in 1986; divided into two in 1991 when the Eastern population was upgraded to Endangered. See Loggerhead Shrike Eastern population on the Endangered list. The Loggerhead Shrike should be listed but not twice. |
Warbler, Hooded
(Wilsonia citrina) |
Bird |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
At northern extent of range; affected by habitat loss. Secure through most of range. |
Woodpecker, White-headed (Picoides albolarvatus) |
Bird |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss and degradation in the South Okanagan ecosystem. Small population at northern extent of range but considered rare in nine out of ten resident states. |
Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) |
Reptile |
Threatened |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. Limited range and affected by human disruption. |
Snake, Black Rat
(Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) |
Reptile |
Threatened |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. |
Snake, Eastern Fox
(Elaphe vulpina gloydi) |
Reptile |
Threatened |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. |
Snake, Queen
(Regina septemvittata) |
Reptile |
Threatened |
|
|
|
Toad, Fowler's
(Bufo fowleri) |
Reptile |
Threatened |
|
|
Designated rare in 1986; transferred to the vulnerable category when the former was replaced in 1990. |
Turtle, Blanding's
(Emydoidea blandingi)
(Nova Scotia population) |
Reptile |
Threatened |
X
|
1 |
Specific population. Affected by raccoon preying upon its nests. Nova Scotia population is disjunct from main range in Great Lakes area. |
Turtle, Spiny Softshell
(Apalone spinifera) |
Reptile |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by habitat degradation and pollution, and vandalism by humans. |
Cisco, Blackfin
(Coregonus nigripinnis) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by overfishing and habitat degradation. Extirpated over much of its range. |
Cisco, Shortjaw
(Coregonus zenithicus) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by overfishing and habitat degradation, and predation by introduced species. |
Cisco, Shortnose
(Coregonus reighardi) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by overfishing and habitat degradation; recently disappeared from its historic Great Lakes range. |
Darter, Channel
(Percina copelandi) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
At northern extent of range; affected by sedimentation but widespread range in the United States. |
Darter, Eastern Sand
(Ammocrypta pellucida) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
At northern extent of range but at risk in the United States; affected by siltation and habitat degradation by land-use practices. |
Lamprey, Morrison Creek
(Lampetra richardsoni) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
|
Madtom, Margined
(Noturus insignis) |
Fish |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Anomalous population located at the extreme northern extent of range. Probably introduced by anglers; range throughout Mississippi River basin. |
Redhorse, Black
(Moxostoma duquesnei) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss to dam-building. Restricted Canadian range. |
Redhorse, Copper
(Moxostoma hubbsi) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by habitat degradation and pollution. Rare throughout range. |
Sculpin, Great Lakes Deepwater (Myoxocephalus thompsoni) |
Fish |
Threatened |
X
|
1 |
Other abundant populations; disappearance from Great Lakes due to pollution and habitat degradation, and predation. |
Sculpin, Shorthead
(Cottus confusus) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
Restricted distribution and potential habitat degradation. |
Smelt, Lake Utopia Dwarf (Osmerus sp.) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
|
Stickleback, Paxton Lake
(limnetic) (Gasterosteus sp.) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
|
Stickleback, Paxton Lake
(benthic) (Gasterosteus sp.) |
Fish |
Threatened |
X
|
1 |
It is unnecessary to list both the benthic (deep-water) and limnetic (shallow-water) Paxton Lake Sticklebacks. |
Stickleback, Vananda
(limnetic) (Gasterosteus spp.) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
|
Stickleback, Vananda
(benthic) (Gasterosteus spp.) |
Fish |
Threatened |
X
|
1 |
It is unnecessary to list both the benthic (deep-water) and limnetic (shallow-water) Varanda Sticklebacks. |
Sticklebacks, Enos Lake
(Gasterosteus spp. [2 spp.]) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
Habitat degradation from urban sprawl and predation. |
Whitefish, Lake Simcoe
(Coregonus clupeaformis) |
Fish |
Threatened |
|
|
Habitat degradation and pollution; agricultural runoff and sewage disposal, and predation by introduced rainbow smelt. |
Abalone, Northern
(Haliotis kamtschatkana) |
Mollusk |
Threatened |
|
|
The fishery was closed in 1990 but the species continues to be affected by poaching. |
Snail, Banff Springs
(Physella johnsoni) |
Mollusk |
Threatened |
|
|
|
Ash, Blue
(Fraxinus quadrangulata) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Affected by habitat loss due to development and stone quarrying in Canada but at northern extent of range. Main range is the central United States. |
Aster, Anticosti
(Aster anticostensis) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
At the northern extent of a limited range, endemic to maritimes. Affected by land development and human recreation; rare in the United States. |
Ater, White-top
(Aster curtus) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Introduced species at northern extent of range. |
Aster, White Wood
(Aster divaricatus) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
At the northern extent of range but abundant range throughout the United States. |
Braya, Fernald's
(Braya fernaldii) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
|
Chestnut, American
(Castanea dentata) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
At the northern extent of its range but suffering from blight here and throughout the United States. |
Colicroot
(Aletris farinosa) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
At the northern extent of range; abundant range in the United States. |
Deerberry
(Vaccinium stamineum) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Isolated population at the northern extent of its range; abundant throughout the United States. Affected by lack of seedling production. |
Fern, Mosquito
(Azolla mexicana) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
Isolated population at its extreme northern extent with a narrow range of growth requirements. |
Flag, Western Blue
(Iris missouriensis) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; at risk from habitat degradation through the conversion of wet meadow habitats to non-native plants. Abundant in parts of western United States. |
Gentian, Plymouth
(Sabatia kennedyana) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
Northern extent of range; small populations exist along the eastern seaboard. |
Goat's-rue
(Tephrosia virginiana) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
At the northern extent of range but abundant range throughout the United States. Affected by high seed predation and habitat degradation. |
Golden Crest
(Lophiola aurea) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
Northern extent of range, which extends down to Florida coast. At risk from habitat loss to cottage development. |
Golden Seal
(Hydrastis canadensis) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
Northern extent of range. Wide range, but rare, in the eastern United States. Affected by logging and land clearing. |
Greenbrier, Round-leaved
(Smilax rotundifolia)
(Ontario population) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Specific population located at the northern extent of a range covering most of the central and northeastern United States. |
Jacob's Ladder, van Brunt's
(Polemonium van-bruntiae) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
Isolated population at the northern extent of its range; affected by habitat loss to agricultural expansion and road-building. |
Lipocarpha, Small-flowered
(Lipocarpha micrantha) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; disjunct population in Canada. Range extends south to Brazil. |
Paintbrush, Golden
(Castilleja levisecta) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
An introduced species with limited range in the United States as well. |
Pepperbush, Sweet
(Clethra alnifolia) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Disjunct population in southwest Nova Scotia was probably introduced from Europe. Main range extends from Texas to Florida and north to southern Maine. |
Prairie-clover, Hairy
(Dalea villosa var. villosa) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
2 |
Subspecies. |
Redroot
(Lachnanthes caroliana) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Isolated population in Nova Scotia. Populations are found disjunctly down eastern seaboard. Main range is in Florida and Cuba. At risk from development of shoreline. |
Sedge, False Hop
(Carex lupuliformis) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Isolated populations at northern extent of range. Abundant range throughout the United States. |
Spiderwort, Western
(Tradescantia occidentalis) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
Northern extent of a limited range. Affected by habitat degradation, invasive weeds, fire, and cattle grazing in Canada. |
Tree, Kentucky Coffee
(Gymnocladus dioica) |
Plant |
Threatened |
|
|
Affected by habitat loss to agriculture. At the northern extent of range but threatened throughout. |
Verbena, Sand
(Abronia micrantha) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range. Affected by habitat degradation, fire, and cattle grazing in Canada; abundant range in the United States. |
Violet, Bird's-foot
(Viola pedata) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; abundant range throughout the United States. |
Violet, Yellow Montane
(Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
2, 3 |
Subspecies. Northern extent of range. Affected by habitat loss but throughout United States, taken as species, demonstrably secure. |
Water-willow, American
(Justicia americana) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Northern extent of range; widespread in the eastern and central United States. Threatened by potential habitat loss. |
Woodsia, Blunt-lobed
(Woodsia obtusa) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Small population but at northern extent of range; abundant throughout the United States. |
Water-pennywort
(Hydrocotyle umbellata) |
Plant |
Threatened |
X
|
3 |
Extreme northern extent of range. Disjunct population. Mostly found in southern United States and South America. |
Moss, Apple
(Bartramia stricta) |
Moss |
Threatened |
|
|
|
X in the fourth column indicates that this entry should be deleted from COSEWIC's list; numbers in the fifth column give the reason: 1. distinct population listing (in many cases, the species appears more than once on the COSEWIC list); 2. listing is a subspecies; 3. northernmost range in Canada (species thought to be at their northernmost range in Canada but rare in the United States remain on the list); 4. species is abundant. |