isbn no. 0-7785-1794-2 (printed edition) - alberta...pub no. i/023 isbn no. 0-7785-1794-2 (printed...

Pub No. I/023

ISBN No. 0-7785-1794-2 (Printed Edition)

ISBN No. 0-7785-1821-3 (On-line Edition)

For copies of this report, contact:

Information Centre – PublicationsAlberta Environment/Alberta Sustainable Resource DevelopmentMain Floor, Great West Life Building9920 - 108 StreetEdmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2M4

Telephone: (780) 422-2079

OR

Information ServiceAlberta Environment/Alberta Sustainable Resource Development#100, 3115 - 12 Street NECalgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 7J2

Telephone: (403) 297-3362

OR

Visit our website at

www.gov.ab.ca/env/fw/status/index.html

(available on-line Fall 2001)

Front Cover Photo Credits:

OSTRICH FERN - Carroll Perkins | NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG - Wayne Lynch | NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL - Gordon Court |YELLOW LADY’S-SLIPPER - Wayne Lynch | BRONZE COPPER - Carroll Perkins | AMERICAN BISON - Gordon Court |WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE - Gordon Court | NORTHERN PIKE - Wayne Lynch

ITHE GENERAL STATUS OF ALBERTA WILD SPECIES 2000 |

ASPEN | gordon cour t

Alberta Sustainable Resource Developmenthas designated as one of its core businessgoals the promotion of fish and wildlifeconservation. The status of wild species isone of the performance measures againstwhich the department determines theeffectiveness of its policies and servicedelivery.

Central to achieving this goal is the accuratedetermination of the general status of wildspecies in the province. Knowing the statusof wild species helps wildlife managersdevelop and implement sound managementand habitat conservation programs. A reporton the status of wild species in Alberta ispublished by the provincial governmentevery five years. This document assists theprovincial government in determining theneed for, and direction of, further action.

The General Status of Alberta Wild Species2000 presents a system for evaluating thegeneral status of all wild species in Alberta—one that is identical to that used by otherprovinces and territories throughoutCanada. It is the first step in a continuingprocess of evaluating and reporting on thebiological status of Alberta’s wild species.Those species that “May Be At Risk” receive adetailed status assessment.

The preparation and distribution of this report isdesigned to achieve four objectives:

1. To provide information on, and raiseawareness of, the current status of wildspecies in Alberta;

2. To stimulate broad public input in moreclearly defining the status of individualspecies;

3. To produce a list of candidate species formore detailed status evaluations; and

4. To provide a reference for provincialgovernment agencies in the development ofwild species conservation and managementprograms.

The 2000 edition of the General Status of AlbertaWild Species represents a substantialimprovement in the knowledge base of wildspecies in Alberta. Preliminary statusassessments were prepared for 4 735 species ofbirds, mammals, herpetiles (amphibians andreptiles), freshwater fish, molluscs (gastropodsand bivalves), odonates (dragonflies anddamselflies), lepidopterans (butterflies andskippers), vascular plants, nonvascular plants andfungi in Alberta. Of these groups, Alberta, alongwith all other provinces and territories, agreed toreport on eight to Environment Canada so that a

Alberta has long enjoyed the legacy of abundant wild species. These same species

are important environmental indicators. Their populations reflect the health and

diversity of the environment.

prefacepreface

II | THE GENERAL STATUS OF ALBERTA WILD SPECIES 2000

national evaluation could be undertaken (seeBackground of the Present General StatusEvaluation Exercise). These groups included thebirds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwaterfish, butterflies, orchids and ferns. The status ofspecies in these categories is provided here.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development willcontinue to evaluate the status of wild specieson an ongoing basis. In the future, the generalstatus of other species groups will be included.The status evaluation process may be refined

PREFACE . . . CONTINUED

and improved, but it will continue to becompatible with that used by other provincesand territories. If all jurisdictions continue to usethe same method of evaluation, then it will bepossible to compare status ranks across thecountry and gain a national perspective of howwell a species is doing.

Thank you for your interest in Alberta’s wildspecies.

SAGE GROUSE | gordon cour t

IV | THE GENERAL STATUS OF ALBERTA WILD SPECIES 2000GREAT GRAY OWL | gordon cour t

VTHE GENERAL STATUS OF ALBERTA WILD SPECIES 2000 |

The general status exercise has been refinedsince the 1996 document, The Status of AlbertaWildlife, and is now the same as that done byother provinces and territories in Canada. In the2000 assessment, preliminary status evaluationswere carried out on 4 735 species of 12 speciesgroups using the new methodology; thosegroups included birds, mammals, herpetiles(amphibians and reptiles), freshwater fish,molluscs (gastropods and bivalves), odonates(dragonflies and damselflies), lepidopterans(butterflies and skippers), vascular plants,nonvascular plants and fungi. Of these groups,eight are discussed in this report, includingorchids and ferns, the first vascular plants to bereported on in the general status exercise.

Draft status scores for the birds, mammals,reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish and

butterflies were compiled by the staff of the Fishand Wildlife Service, Alberta SustainableResource Development, in Edmonton; those ofthe ferns and orchids were compiled by the Parksand Protected Areas Division, AlbertaCommunity Development, also in Edmonton.

For the purposes of this assessment, draftdocuments were sent to professional biologistsfrom government and industry, along with wildspecies experts from the natural historycommunity. The comments and suggestionsmade by these individuals were compiled anddiscussed. The final scores and rankings, however,remain the sole responsibility of the Fish andWildlife Service, Alberta Sustainable ResourceDevelopment. The Service is grateful to thefollowing individuals who participated in theprocess:

Sean AbbottPeter AchuffJohn AcornJim AllenLorna AllenPaul AndersonMairi BabeyReid BarclayRobert BarclayRené BellandLloyd BennettDave BerryGerard BeyersbergenC. D. BirdRon BjorgeRick BonarCheryl BradleyErnie BrodoEldon BrunsVance BuchwaldDana BushHarold CarrJim CaseRichard CaseyRichard ChabayloP. ChakravartyTerry Clayton

Hugh CliffordDoug CollisterPatsy CotterillD. CoxonGavin CraigRay CromieBrenda DaleJennifer DoubtBrian EatonGary EricksonErnie EwaschukD. FabijanDan FarrChris FisherLorne FitchJohn FolinsbeeRobert ForsythSandra FossSherri FownesG. FryerBill GlasgowJoanne GoldenTrevor GowardBruce GreenfieldGraeme GreenleeGraham GriffithsDave Gummer

Grant GundersonSusan HannonRoxanne HastingsMark HeckbertDave HervieuxMargo HervieuxL.V. HillsDave HobsonEd HofmanJanice JamesDerek JohnsonEdgar JonesJoan KerrRichard KlaukeNorbert KondlaFloyd KunnasJane LancasterRick LauzonJacquie LeeOlivia LeeDwayne LepitzkiTrevor LumleyKen LungleBeth MacCallumBill MacKayDick MannPat Marklevitz

Janet MarshPam MartinMurray McKayDave MooreRichard MosesDave MoylesAndy MurphyJoe NelsonMike NortonMyrna PearmanHarold PinelEva PipHardy PletzJim PotterLarry PowellDave PrescottPaul PryorMargo PybusAndy RanisethLarry RhudeChristine RiceBlair RippinBrian RitchieWayne RobertsPetra RowellAnthony RussellTom Sadler

Jim SchieckFiona SchmiegelowTim SchowalterJ. SheardDave SheppardAllen ShostakHugh SmithJeanne SmithWayne SmithMark SteinhilberJohn ThomsonMarc-André VillardMaarten VonhofCliff WallisBrian WalshRobin WalshCleve WershlerC. WetmoreTrevor WiensKathleen WilkinsonJ. WilliamsBill WishartHugh Wollis

acknowledgementsacknowledgements

GOLDEN-MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL | gordon cour t

VI | THE GENERAL STATUS OF ALBERTA WILD SPECIES 2000

ORGANIZATIONS

The Fish and Wildlife Service, Alberta SustainableResource Development, is grateful to thefollowing organizations for providing input fromtheir members or staff, and/or access to theircollections:

Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Lethbridge

Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Ottawa

Alberta Community Development

Alberta Conservation Association

Alberta Environment

Alberta Fish and Game Association

Alberta Research Council

Athabasca University

Axys Environmental Consulting

Calgary Field Naturalists

Devonian Botanic Garden

Ducks Unlimited

Edmonton Bird Club

Edmonton Natural History Club

Ellis Bird Farm

Environmental Training Centre, Hinton

Environment Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service

Federation of Alberta Naturalists

Grassland Naturalists

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

National Museum, Ottawa

Northern Forestry Centre, Edmonton

Parks Canada

Peace Parkland Naturalists

Provincial Museum of Alberta

Red Deer River Naturalists

Sweetgrass Consultants

University of Alberta

University of Calgary

University of Lethbridge

University of Winnipeg

URSUS Ecosystem Management Ltd.

Westwater Research

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . CONTINUED

Within the Fish and Wildlife Service, AlbertaSustainable Resource Development, the generalstatus assessment was coordinated by staff ofthe Resource Status and Assessment Branch,including Gordon Court, Steve Brechtel, SherryFeser, Robin Gutsell, Sue Cotterill, Sue Peters andDawn Birn. Within Parks and Protected AreasDivision, Alberta Community Development,species assessments were coordinated andreviewed by Joyce Gould and Beth Cornish.

A special thanks to the Alberta ConservationAssociation, which contributed resources andstaff throughout the exercise.

1THE GENERAL STATUS OF ALBERTA WILD SPECIES 2000 |

This document is part of the process thatevaluates the well-being, or soundness, of wildspecies populations in Alberta. A clearunderstanding of status for individual species isa key element in species conservation. It permitssound planning and decision-making forconservation and protection programs, and itprovides a critical step in setting wild speciesmanagement priorities. Moreover, this initialgeneral status determination acts as animportant first step in determining whichspecies “May Be At Risk” and therefore needdetailed status evaluations (see Figure 1).

FIGURE 1 | THE STATUS DESIGNATION PROCESS IN ALBERTA

The detailed status evaluations are used by theAlberta Endangered Species ConservationCommittee (ESCC) to assess whether there isreason to recommend to the Minister of AlbertaSustainable Resource Development that aspecies be given legislative status as“Endangered” or “Threatened” under Alberta’sWildlife Act (see Figure 1).

Why Rank the General Status of All Wild Species?

introductionintroduction

SEDGE MARSH | wayne lynch

2 | THE GENERAL STATUS OF ALBERTA WILD SPECIES 2000

Throughout the history of wildlife managementin Alberta, information on population status andtrends has been used to manage game species.More recently, the identification and restorationof species at risk has been based largely onunderstanding and attempting to improvepopulation status. As interest in wildlife hasgrown and broadened, and our understanding ofthe value and need to maintain undisrupted anddiverse ecosystems has increased, the need tounderstand the biological status of all wildspecies has become essential. Determiningstatus is the first step in the process of effectivemanagement. It provides the base from whichmanagement and other conservation initiativescan be planned and assessed.

The Wildlife Management Division, Albertagovernment, began a status evaluation processin 1985 with A Policy for the Management ofThreatened Wildlife in Alberta. This documentprovided a summary of the status of selectedhigh priority species and initiated the use of anobjective evaluation system with which tosummarize and compare status information.However, only a portion of Alberta’s wild specieswas reviewed.

In 1991, the Wildlife Management Division,Alberta government, produced The Status ofAlberta Wildlife report that evaluated thebiological status of all non-fish vertebratewildlife species that occur in Alberta. Thisdocument implemented a system that was usedto evaluate the current and projected status ofpopulations and their habitats, sort species intolists based on similar status, and provide a briefsummary of current status and backgroundinformation for species at risk and for thosespecies that may require special management. Asimilar process was used five years later in the1996 The Status of Alberta Wildlife report.

Evaluation Exercises

PEREGRINE FALCON | gordon cour t

past statuspast status


AMERICAN PIKA | gordon cour t

of the Present General Status Evaluation Exercise

The Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk inCanada was signed in 1996 by most provincial,territorial and federal government Ministersresponsible for wildlife (including Alberta’s). TheAccord commits signatories to preventingspecies in Canada from becoming extinct as aconsequence of human activity. It requires thatall provincial and territorial signatories have ageneral status evaluation system that is similarand comparable. Alberta Sustainable ResourceDevelopment has been a lead agency indeveloping the procedure that is now a nationalstandard.

The new general status evaluation process thatwas used in Alberta provides an initial

TABLE 1 | DEFINITIONS OF GENERAL STATUS CATEGORIES

assessment of wild species as to whether theyare “At Risk” of extinction, “May Be At Risk” ofextinction, are “Sensitive” to human activities ornatural events, or are considered “Secure.” Theprocess also has other categories under whichspecies can be classified, as follows:“Undetermined,” “Not Assessed,” “Exotic/Alien,”“Extirpated/Extinct” and “Accidental/Vagrant”(see Table 1).

Refining the status rankings for each species isan ongoing task for the Fish and Wildlife Service.The status document is updated every five years.As our knowledge base improves and wildspecies populations change, status lists will alsochange.

RANK EQUIVALENT DEFINITIONS(2000) PREVIOUS RANK (1996) (2000)

At Risk Red Any species known to be “At Risk” after formal detailed status assessment anddesignation as “Endangered” or “Threatened” in Alberta.

May Be At Risk Blue Any species that “May Be At Risk” of extinction or extirpation, and is thereforea candidate for detailed risk assessment.

Sensitive Yellow Any species that is not at risk of extinction or extirpation but may requirespecial attention or protection to prevent it from becoming at risk.

Secure Green A species that is not “At Risk,” “May Be At Risk” or “Sensitive.”

Undetermined Status Any species for which insufficient information, knowledge or data is availableUndetermined to reliably evaluate its general status.

Not Assessed n/a Any species that has not been examined for this report.

Exotic/Alien n/a Any species that has been introduced as a result of human activities.

Extirpated/Extinct n/a Any species no longer thought to be present in Alberta (“Extirpated”) or nolonger believed to be present anywhere in the world (“Extinct”).

Accidental/Vagrant n/a Any species occurring infrequently and unpredictably in Alberta, i.e., outsideits usual range. (These species may be in Alberta due to unusual weatheroccurrences, an accident during migration, or unusual breeding behaviour by asmall number of individuals. If a species appears in Alberta with increasingpredictability and more frequently, it may eventually be given a different rank.Changes in “Accidental/Vagrant” species may be a good indicator of generalecosystem or climatic changes.)

backgroundbackground


Updating and improving the status documentwill require that existing information from bothknowledgeable individuals and publishedsources is utilized fully each time statusdeterminations are re-assessed. This process willcontinue to highlight information needs forspecies whose status currently cannot bedetermined. Filling the data gaps will require aconcerted effort by government agencies, non-governmental groups and committedindividuals.

It should be recognized that wild speciespopulations can change relatively rapidly,particularly in areas affected by human land use.There is a continuing need to monitor thesechanges to ensure populations remain viableand to anticipate the effects of changing habitatconditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT GENERAL STATUS EVALUATION EXERCISE . . . CONTINUED

WILLET | gordon cour t


LONG-TAILED WEASEL | gordon cour t

Status Evaluation System

As noted earlier, the general status evaluationsystem provides an initial assessment of thestatus of a species within a jurisdiction. Anevaluated species may be put into one of ninestatus categories (see Table 1).

The evaluation process involves three steps:

a) Compiling and assessing the biologicalattributes and indicators of eachspecies;

b) Considering the status of the specieselsewhere; and

c) Assigning a general status category.

These steps are described in greater detailbelow.

After provincial ranks are assigned, eachprovince or territory submits their ranks andcomments to be compiled into a single national

rank. Although preliminary assessments werecarried out on 4 735 vertebrate, invertebrate,plant and fungi species in Alberta, only thosespecies included in the national assessment arediscussed here. Those species come from eightgroupings: birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians,freshwater fish, butterflies and skippers, orchidsand ferns.

A | COMPILING AND ASSESSING THEBIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES AND INDICATORS

In this evaluation, all relevant current data,information and knowledge available weresummarized for vertebrate, invertebrate, plantand fungi species in Alberta using seven criteria(see Table 2 and Table 3). Sources includedpublished books and documents; unpublishedgovernment and industry reports; databasessuch as the BSOD (Biodiversity/Species

TABLE 2 | CRITERIA AND RATING SCALE FOR RANKING THE GENERAL STATUS OF ALL WILD SPECIES

AB

UN

DA

NC

E &

DIS

TR

IBU

TIO

N

CRITERIA RATING SCALE

Population Very small Small Medium LargeSize (<1 000) (1 001-3 000) (3 001 - 10 000) (>10 000)

Number of Very small Small Medium LargeOccurences (<5) (6-20) (21-100) (>100)

Distribution Very restricted Restricted Regional Widespread(<3% of jurisdiction) (3-10% of jurisdiction) (11-50% of jurisdiction) (>50% of jurisdiction)

Trend in Rapid decline Decline Stable IncreasingPopulation (>50% in 10 years) (>20% in 10 years) (natural fluctuations included)

Trend in Rapid decline Decline Stable IncreasingDistribution (>50% in 20 years) (>20% in 20 years) (natural fluctuations included)

Threats to Extreme Moderate Limited NonePopulations

Threats to Extreme Moderate Limited NoneHabitat

TR

EN

DT

HR

EA

T

A B C D

the generalgeneralthe


Observations Database), the BBS (Breeding BirdSurvey) and ANHIC (Alberta Natural HeritageInformation Centre); and observations andopinions of species specialists (both contractreview and personal communications). Thesame system was used to rank all the speciesexamined.

The seven key criteria are as follows:population size, number of occurrences,distribution, trend in population size, trend indistribution, threats to population, and threatsto habitat (see Table 2 and Table 3). Eachcriterion was rated on a scale of “A” to “D,” inwhich “A” is of the most concern and “D” theleast (see Table 2).

An example of a species ranking form isprovided on page 8. The “Comments” providedwith each letter code on these data sheets

THE GENERAL STATUS EVALUATION SYSTEM . . . CONTINUED

were important in the decision-making processbecause they provided information on actualnumbers, levels of confidence, search intensity,actual types and levels of threats, actual typesand levels of protection, and the referencecitations in the literature. Such ranking formswere completed for each species listed in thisreport.

B | STATUS OF SPECIES ELSEWHERE

The biological status of a species outside ofAlberta, especially in neighbouring jurisdictionswas also reviewed. This information helped todetermine the proportion of the North Americanpopulation for which Alberta is responsible andmay have affected the status of a species.Examples of status categories used includedthose from the Committee on the Status of

CRITERIA DEFINITIONS

TABLE 3 | SUMMARY OF CRITERIA (based on Wild Species 2000: The General Status of Species in Canada)

Population Size The current estimate of the total number of mature individuals capable of reproduction. In cases in which populations arecharacterized by natural fluctuations, the minimum number is used. Likewise, if the population is characterized by biasedbreeding sex ratios, lower estimates are used for the number of mature individuals to take this into account. For manyspecies, a figure of fewer than 1 000 individuals is an appropriate guideline for what constitutes a small population. Thefigures in Table 2 are presented as general guidelines because it is impossible to give numerical values that can be appliedto all species.

Number ofOccurrences

Estimated sites where the species currently persists. Ecologically, a site occurrence is a habitat that sustains or otherwisecontributes to the survival of a population. It will be defined differently for different species depending on their naturalhistory. When a species’ distribution is extremely limited and there are very few site occurrences, the species is verysusceptible to any number of ecological disturbances, both predictable and unpredictable. This criterion is, therefore, thesingle most important factor influencing overall rank when the number of occurrences is few.

Distribution The current range; the area within the shortest continuous imaginary boundary drawn to encompass all known, inferred orprojected sites of occurrence, not including cases of vagrancy and significant areas where the species does not occur. Formigratory animals, the geographic distribution is the smallest area essential at any stage for the survival of the species.

PopulationTrend

An estimate of the change in the number of mature individuals over time. See Table 2 for how trends are ranked. Naturalfluctuations are not normally counted as part of a decline, and an observed decline is not considered part of a naturalfluctuation unless there is evidence for it.

DistributionTrend

An estimate of the changes in geographic distribution of a species over time. See Table 2 for how distribution trends areranked.

Threats toPopulation

Observed, inferred or projected factors affecting individuals or populations (e.g., direct exploitation, harassment,ecological interactions with predators, competitors, pathogens or parasites) that may result in population declines. SeeTable 2 for rankings of Threats to Population. “Extreme” threats are significant, affect more than half the population and areunmitigated. “Moderate” threats are also serious but affect less than half the population or are mitigated by some level ofhuman protection. “Limited” threats are less significant to population viability or are being mitigated through protectivemeasures.

Threats toHabitat

Observed, inferred or projected habitat alterations (e.g., loss, conversion, degradation or fragmentation) that may result inpopulation declines. See Table 2 for rankings of Threats to Habitat. “Extreme” threats are significant, affect more than halfthe population and are unmitigated. “Moderate” threats are also serious but affect less than half the population or aremitigated by some level of human protection. “Limited” threats are less significant to population viability or are beingmitigated through protective measures.


Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) andvarious provinces or states, as well as thoseprepared by Conservation Data Centres (CDCs;for more information on CDCs, see Linkages).

It is important to identify species whose rangeextends only a short distance into Alberta butwhich have large, secure populations elsewhere.These are called “peripheral species.” Peripheralspecies are often only at risk in the provincebecause of small population size. In such cases, ifthe Alberta population receives a high level ofimmigration from a healthy population in aneighbouring jurisdiction, the level of risk inAlberta may actually be lower than it appearsbased only on population size.

C | ASSIGNING A STATUS CATEGORY

Preliminary Assessment ProcessAll seven criteria in Table 2 (see Table 3 fordefinitions) were considered in order to placethe species in one of nine status categories (seeTable 1). Species with a large number of “A”

scores were at the highest risk of extinction orextirpation, and species with a large number of“D” scores were demonstrably secure.

All seven criteria are important, but dependingon the species being assessed and thecircumstances involved, some criteria were givengreater weight than others in the final ranking. Ifnecessary, the status category assigned to aspecies was modified by consideration of the“Status Elsewhere” section. For example, aperipheral species with large, healthypopulations outside Alberta may have beenmoved from the “May Be At Risk” to the“Sensitive” category (see “B” above).

Final Assessment ProcessPreliminary status assessments, including letterscores, comments and general status rank weresent out for review by species specialists in theprovince. These experts included professionalbiologists, university researchers, naturalists andconsultants (see Acknowledgements). The statusassessment group consulted with thesespecialists, and their comments and suggestionswere compiled. These comments were added tothe summaries, and a final status category wasassigned to a species.

SNOWSHOE HARE | gordon cour t

THE GENERAL STATUS EVALUATION SYSTEM . . . CONTINUED


Example of a Species Ranking Form


DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK | wayne lynch

The assessment process results in lists of specieswith status ranks. The ranks of all the speciesexamined within the eight groupings—the birds,mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish,butterflies and skippers, ferns and orchids—aresummarized on pages 11 through 33. Thecommon name and scientific name of eachspecies are given, along with its particularranking; the taxonomic order is also provided.The birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians andfreshwater fish are arranged in taxonomic order.The butterflies and skippers, orchids and fernsare organized alphabetically by Genus name.

Common names in the list match those used inthe national general status report; commonnames used in Alberta are also included wheredifferent.

Before listing the individual species with theirstatus rank, it is important to have some sense ofwhat proportion of Alberta’s species reported onhere are included in each status category. Thisinformation is provided below in Figure 2.

FIGURE 2 | THE PROPORTION OF ALBERTA’S SPECIES IN EACH STATUS CATEGORY

status ranksstatus ranks

Extirpated/Extinct 1%At Risk 2%

May Be At Risk <1%Sensitive 12%

Secure 57%Undetermined 4%

Exotic/Alien 1%Accidental/Vagrant 22%

Extirpated/Extinct 1%At Risk 3%

May Be At Risk 6%Sensitive 11%


Not Assessed 4%Exotic/Alien 4%

Accidental/Vagrant 3%


REPTILES

MAMMALS

BIRDS


AMPHIBIANS

FRESHWATER FISH 11%

43%

16%

19%

8%

3%

BUTTERFLIES

ORCHIDS

FERNS

At Risk 10%May Be At Risk 30%

Sensitive 30%Secure 30%



Not Assessed 3%Exotic/Alien 16%

May Be At Risk <1%Sensitive 12%


Exotic/Alien 1%




Secure 42%

STATUS RANKS . . . CONTINUED


AMERICAN AVOCET | gordon cour t

There are 402 known species of birds in Alberta. Of these species, 90 are not seen regularly and are outsidetheir normal range in Alberta (“Accidental/Vagrant”). Detailed status assessments have been completed forfive of seven “At Risk” species, including the Burrowing Owl, Trumpeter Swan, Greater Sage-Grouse, PipingPlover and Peregrine Falcon, as well as one “May Be At Risk” species, the Long-billed Curlew. A captivebreeding program for Peregrine Falcons in Alberta resulted in the successful re-establishment of itspopulation in the early 1990s. The restrictions on use of pesticides also helped the population of thisspecies recover. It is now likely that, in the near future, the Peregrine Falcon will no longer be designated asa “Threatened” species under Alberta’s Wildlife Act. Note that the name of the Oldsquaw has been changedto Long-tailed Duck.

LOONS • GAVIIFORMESRed-throated Loon Gavia stellata SecureCommon Loon Gavia immer SecureYellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii Accidental/VagrantPacific Loon Gavia pacifica Secure

GREBES • PODICEPIFORMESPied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps SensitiveHorned Grebe Podiceps auritus SensitiveRed-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena SecureEared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis SecureWestern Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis SensitiveClark’s Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii Sensitive

PELICANS AND CORMORANTS • PELECANIFORMESAmerican White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos SensitiveDouble-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Secure

HERON-LIKE BIRDS • CICONIFORMESAmerican Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus SensitiveGreat Blue Heron Ardea herodias SensitiveGreat Egret Ardea alba Accidental/VagrantSnowy Egret Egretta thula Accidental/VagrantLittle Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Accidental/VagrantTricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Accidental/VagrantCattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Accidental/VagrantGreen Heron Butorides virescens Accidental/VagrantYellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea Accidental/VagrantBlack-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax SensitiveWhite-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi Sensitive

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS RANK

birdsbirds



SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS • ANSERIFORMESTundra Swan Cygnus columbianus SecureTrumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator At RiskGreater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons SecureSnow Goose Chen caerulescens SecureRoss’s Goose Chen rossii SecureBrant Branta bernicla Accidental/VagrantCanada Goose Branta canadensis SecureWood Duck Aix sponsa SecureAmerican Green-winged Teal Anas crecca SecureAmerican Black Duck Anas rubripes SecureMallard Anas platyrhynchos SecureNorthern Pintail Anas acuta SecureGarganey Anas querquedula Accidental/VagrantBlue-winged Teal Anas discors SecureCinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera SecureNorthern Shoveler Anas clypeata SecureGadwall Anas strepera SecureEurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Accidental/VagrantAmerican Wigeon Anas americana SecureCanvasback Aythya valisineria SecureRedhead Aythya americana SecureRing-necked Duck Aythya collaris SecureTufted Duck Aythya fuligula Accidental/VagrantGreater Scaup Aythya marila SecureLesser Scaup Aythya affinis SecureKing Eider Somateria spectabilis Accidental/VagrantCommon Eider Somateria mollissima Accidental/VagrantHarlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus SensitiveLong-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis SecureBlack Scoter Melanitta nigra Accidental/VagrantSurf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata SecureWhite-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca SensitiveCommon Goldeneye Bucephala clangula SecureBarrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala islandica SecureBufflehead Bucephala albeola SecureHooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus SecureCommon Merganser Mergus merganser SecureRed-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator SecureRuddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Secure

BIRDS OF PREY • FALCONIFORMESTurkey Vulture Cathartes aura SecureOsprey Pandion haliaetus SensitiveBald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus SensitiveNorthern Harrier Circus cyaneus SecureSharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus SecureCooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii SecureNorthern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis SensitiveBroad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus SensitiveSwainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni SensitiveRed-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Secure



Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis At RiskRough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus SecureGolden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos SensitiveAmerican Kestrel Falco sparverius SecureMerlin Falco columbarius SecurePeregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus At RiskGyrfalcon Falco rusticolus SecurePrairie Falcon Falco mexicanus Sensitive

GROUSE-LIKE BIRDS • GALLIFORMESGray Partridge Perdix perdix Exotic/AlienRing-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Exotic/AlienSpruce Grouse Falcipennis canadensis SecureBlue Grouse Dendragapus obscurus SecureWillow Ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus SecureWhite-tailed Ptarmigan Lagopus leucurus SecureRuffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus SecureGreater Sage-Grouse Centrocercus urophasianus At RiskGreater Prairie-Chicken Tympanuchus cupido Extirpated/ExtinctSharp-tailed Grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus SensitiveWild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo Exotic/Alien

CRANE-LIKE BIRDS • GRUIFORMESYellow Rail Coturnicops noveboracensis UndeterminedVirginia Rail Rallus limicola UndeterminedSora Porzana carolina SecureAmerican Coot Fulica americana SecureSandhill Crane Grus canadensis SensitiveCommon Crane Grus grus Accidental/VagrantWhooping Crane Grus americana At Risk

SHOREBIRDS, GULLS AND TERNS • CHARADRIIFORMESPacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva Accidental/VagrantBlack-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola SecureAmerican Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica SecureMongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus Accidental/VagrantSnowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Accidental/VagrantSpotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Accidental/VagrantSemipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus SecurePiping Plover Charadrius melodus At RiskKilldeer Charadrius vociferus SecureMountain Plover Charadrius montanus SensitiveBlack-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus SensitiveAmerican Avocet Recurvirostra americana SecureGreater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca SecureLesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes SecureSolitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria SecureWillet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus SecureWandering Tattler Heteroscelus incanus Accidental/VagrantSpotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia SecureUpland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda SensitiveEskimo Curlew Numenius borealis Extirpated/Extinct



Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala Accidental/VagrantAmerican Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus SecureLong-billed Curlew Numenius americanus May Be At RiskHudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica SecureMarbled Godwit Limosa fedoa SecureRuddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres SecureSurfbird Aphriza virgata Accidental/VagrantRed-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Accidental/VagrantLittle Stint Calidris minuta Accidental/VagrantRed Knot Calidris canutus SecureSanderling Calidris alba SecureSemipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla SecureWestern Sandpiper Calidris mauri SecureLeast Sandpiper Calidris minutilla SecureWhite-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis SecureBaird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii SecurePectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos SecureSharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Accidental/VagrantDunlin Calidris alpina SecureCurlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Accidental/VagrantStilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus SecureSpoonbill Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus Accidental/VagrantBuff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis SecureRuff Philomachus pugnax Accidental/VagrantShort-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus UndeterminedLong-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus SecureCommon Snipe Gallinago gallinago SecureWilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor SecureRed-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus SecureRed Phalarope Phalaropus fulicaria Accidental/VagrantPomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus Accidental/VagrantParasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Accidental/VagrantLong-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus Accidental/VagrantFranklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan SecureLittle Gull Larus minutus Accidental/VagrantBonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia SecureMew Gull Larus canus SecureRing-billed Gull Larus delawarensis SecureCalifornia Gull Larus californicus SecureHerring Gull Larus argentatus SecureThayer’s Gull Larus thayeri SecureIceland Gull Larus glaucoides Accidental/VagrantLesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Accidental/VagrantGlaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens Accidental/VagrantSlaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus Accidental/VagrantGlaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus SecureGreat Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Accidental/VagrantBlack-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Accidental/VagrantIvory Gull Pagophila eburnea Accidental/VagrantSabine’s Gull Xema sabini SecureCaspian Tern Sterna caspia SensitiveCommon Tern Sterna hirundo Secure



Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea SecureForster’s Tern Sterna forsteri SensitiveBlack Tern Chlidonias niger SensitiveBlack Guillemot Cepphus grylle Accidental/VagrantLong-billed Murrelet Brachyramphus perdix Accidental/VagrantAncient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus Accidental/Vagrant

DOVE-LIKE BIRDS • COLUMBIFORMESRock Dove Columba livia Exotic/AlienBand-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata Accidental/VagrantWhite-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Accidental/VagrantMourning Dove Zenaida macroura SecurePassenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius Extirpated/Extinct

CUCKOOS • CUCULIFORMESBlack-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus UndeterminedYellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Accidental/Vagrant

OWLS • STRIGIFORMESBarn Owl Tyto alba Accidental/VagrantEastern Screech-Owl Otus asio Accidental/VagrantWestern Screech-Owl Otus kennicottii Accidental/VagrantGreat Horned Owl Bubo virginianus SecureSnowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca SecureNorthern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula SecureNorthern Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium gnoma SensitiveBurrowing Owl Athene cunicularia At RiskBarred Owl Strix varia SensitiveGreat Gray Owl Strix nebulosa SensitiveLong-eared Owl Asio otus SecureShort-eared Owl Asio flammeus May Be At RiskBoreal Owl Aegolius funereus SecureNorthern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus Secure

NIGHTJARS • CAPRIMULGIFORMESCommon Nighthawk Chordeiles minor SensitiveCommon Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Undetermined

SWIFTS AND HUMMINGBIRDS • APODIFORMESBlack Swift Cypseloides niger UndeterminedVaux’s Swift Chaetura vauxi Accidental/VagrantWhite-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis Accidental/VagrantGreen Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus Accidental/VagrantRuby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris SecureBlack-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri Accidental/VagrantAnna’s Hummingbird Calypte anna Accidental/VagrantCosta’s Hummingbird Calypte costae Accidental/VagrantCalliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope SecureRufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus Secure

KINGFISHERS • CORACIFORMESBelted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Secure



WOODPECKERS • PICIFORMESLewis’s Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis SecureRed-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus Accidental/VagrantYellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius SecureRed-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus ruber Accidental/VagrantWilliamson’s Sapsucker Sphyrapicus thyroideus Accidental/VagrantRed-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis UndeterminedDowny Woodpecker Picoides pubescens SecureHairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus SecureThree-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus SecureBlack-backed Woodpecker Picoides arcticus SensitiveNorthern Flicker Colaptes auratus SecurePileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Sensitive

PERCHING BIRDS • PASSERIFORMESOlive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi SecureWestern Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus SecureYellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris UndeterminedAlder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum SecureWillow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii SecureLeast Flycatcher Empidonax minimus SecureHammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii SecureDusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri SecurePacific-slope Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis UndeterminedCordilleran Flycatcher Empidonax occidentalis UndeterminedEastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe SecureSay’s Phoebe Sayornis saya SecureGreat Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus SensitiveWestern Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis SecureEastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus SecureGray Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii Accidental/VagrantScissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus Accidental/VagrantHorned Lark Eremophila alpestris SecurePurple Martin Progne subis SensitiveTree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor SecureViolet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina SecureNorthern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis SecureBank Swallow Riparia riparia SecureCliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota SecureBarn Swallow Hirundo rustica SecureGray Jay Perisoreus canadensis SecureSteller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri SecureBlue Jay Cyanocitta cristata SecureClark’s Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana SecureBlack-billed Magpie Pica hudsonia SecureAmerican Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos SecureCommon Raven Corvus corax SecureBlack-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapilla SecureMountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli SecureBoreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonica SecureChestnut-backed Chickadee Poecile rufescens Accidental/VagrantRed-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis Secure



White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis SecurePygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea Accidental/VagrantBrown Creeper Certhia americana UndeterminedRock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus SecureCarolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Accidental/VagrantHouse Wren Troglodytes aedon SecureWinter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes SecureSedge Wren Cistothorus platensis SensitiveMarsh Wren Cistothorus palustris SecureAmerican Dipper Cinclus mexicanus SecureGolden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa SecureRuby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula SecureBlue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Accidental/VagrantNorthern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Accidental/VagrantEastern Bluebird Sialia sialis SecureWestern Bluebird Sialia mexicana SecureMountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides SecureTownsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi SecureVeery Catharus fuscescens SecureGray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus UndeterminedSwainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus SecureHermit Thrush Catharus guttatus SecureWood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Accidental/VagrantBendire’s Thrasher Toxostoma bendirei Accidental/VagrantCurve-billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre Accidental/VagrantAmerican Robin Turdus migratorius SecureVaried Thrush Ixoreus naevius SecureGray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis SecureNorthern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos SecureSage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus UndeterminedBrown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum SecureAmerican Pipit Anthus rubescens SecureSprague’s Pipit Anthus spragueii SensitiveBohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus SecureCedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum SecureNorthern Shrike Lanius excubitor SecureLoggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus SensitiveEuropean Starling Sturnus vulgaris Exotic/AlienBlue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius SecureWarbling Vireo Vireo gilvus SecurePhiladelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus SecureRed-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus SecureCassin’s Vireo Vireo cassinii UndeterminedTennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina SecureOrange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata SecureNashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla SecureNorthern Parula Parula americana Accidental/VagrantYellow Warbler Dendroica petechia SecureChestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica SecureMagnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia SecureCape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina SensitiveBlue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus Accidental/Vagrant



Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera Accidental/VagrantBlack-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Accidental/VagrantYellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata SecureBlack-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens Accidental/VagrantTownsend’s Warbler Dendroica townsendi SecureBlack-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens SensitiveBlackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca SensitivePine Warbler Dendroica pinus Accidental/VagrantPalm Warbler Dendroica palmarum SecureBay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea SensitiveBlackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata SecureBlack-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia SecureAmerican Redstart Setophaga ruticilla SecureOvenbird Seiurus aurocapillus SecureNorthern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis SecureKentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus Accidental/VagrantConnecticut Warbler Oporornis agilis SecureMourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia SecureMacGillivray’s Warbler Oporornis tolmiei SecureCommon Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas SecureHooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina Accidental/VagrantWilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla SecureCanada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis SensitiveYellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens SecureSummer Tanager Piranga rubra Accidental/VagrantScarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea Accidental/VagrantWestern Tanager Piranga ludoviciana SensitiveGreen-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus Accidental/VagrantEastern Towhee Pipilo erythropthalmus Accidental/VagrantNorthern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Accidental/VagrantRose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus SecureBlack-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus SecureLazuli Bunting Passerina amoena SecureIndigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Accidental/VagrantPainted Bunting Passerina ciris Accidental/VagrantDickcissel Spiza americana Accidental/VagrantSpotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus SecureCassin’s Sparrow Aimophila cassinii Accidental/VagrantField Sparrow Spizella pusilla Accidental/VagrantAmerican Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea SecureChipping Sparrow Spizella passerina SecureClay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida SecureBrewer’s Sparrow Spizella breweri SensitiveVesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus SecureLark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus SecureBlack-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata Accidental/VagrantLark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys SensitiveSavannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis SecureBaird’s Sparrow Ammodramus bairdii SensitiveGrasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum SensitiveLe Conte’s Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii Secure



Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni SecureFox Sparrow Passerella iliaca SecureSong Sparrow Melospiza melodia SecureLincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii SecureSwamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana SecureWhite-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis SecureGolden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla SecureWhite-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys SecureHarris’s Sparrow Zonotrichia querula SecureDark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis SecureMcCown’s Longspur Calcarius mccownii SecureLapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus SecureSmith’s Longspur Calcarius pictus SecureChestnut-collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus SecureSnow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis SecureBobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus SensitiveRed-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus SecureEastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Accidental/VagrantWestern Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta SecureYellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus SecureRusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus SecureBrewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus SecureCommon Grackle Quiscalus quiscula SecureBrown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater SecureBaltimore Oriole Icterus galbula SecureBullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii UndeterminedBrambling Fringilla montifringilla Accidental/VagrantGray-crowned Rosy-Finch Leucosticte tephrocotis SecurePine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator SecurePurple Finch Carpodacus purpureus SecureCassin’s Finch Carpodacus cassinii SecureHouse Finch Carpodacus mexicanus SecureRed Crossbill Loxia curvirostra SecureWhite-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera SecureCommon Redpoll Carduelis flammea SecureHoary Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni SecurePine Siskin Carduelis pinus SecureAmerican Goldfinch Carduelis tristis SecureEvening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus SecureHouse Sparrow Passer domesticus Exotic/Alien

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK | gordon cour t



RED FOX | wayne lynch

Alberta is home to 95 species of mammals,1 the second highest number of mammals within any Canadianprovince or territory (B.C. has the highest number). The Black-footed Ferret and the Plains Bison (asubspecies) have been extirpated from Alberta. Swift Fox reintroduction efforts over the last 20 years havebeen successful; the species is no longer extirpated in Alberta. The Swift Fox is still “At Risk,” as are theWoodland Caribou (a subspecies) and the Wood Bison (a subspecies). The biological status of the Ord’sKangaroo Rat, Red-tailed Chipmunk, Wolverine and Woodland Caribou has been assessed in detail. Thestatus of four “May Be At Risk” species—the Vagrant Shrew, Long-tailed Weasel, Grizzly Bear and NorthernMyotis—still requires detailed assessment.

INSECTIVORES • INSECTIVORAMasked Shrew Sorex cinereus SecureVagrant Shrew/Wandering Shrew Sorex vagrans May Be At RiskDusky Shrew Sorex monticolus SecureWater Shrew Sorex palustris SecureArctic Shrew Sorex arcticus SecurePygmy Shrew Sorex hoyi SecureHayden’s Shrew/Prairie Shrew Sorex haydeni Secure

BATS • CHIROPTERALittle Brown Myotis Myotis lucifugus SecureLong-eared Myotis Myotis evotis SecureLong-legged Myotis Myotis volans UndeterminedWestern Small-footed Myotis Myotis ciliolabrum SensitiveNorthern Myotis/Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis May Be At RiskSilver-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans SecureBig Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus SecureEastern Red Bat Lasiurus borealis Accidental/VagrantHoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus Secure

RABBITS, HARES AND PIKAS • LAGOMORPHAAmerican Pika Ochotona princeps SecureMountain Cottontail/Nuttall’s Cottontail Sylvilagus nuttallii SecureSnowshoe Hare Lepus americanus SecureWhite-tailed Jack Rabbit Lepus townsendii Secure


1. Two of these species, the American Bison and Caribou,were each divided into two subspecies in Alberta’sgeneral status exercise.

mammalsmammals

GRAY WOLF | gordon cour t



RODENTS • RODENTIALeast Chipmunk Tamias minimus SecureYellow-pine Chipmunk Tamias amoenus SecureRed-tailed Chipmunk Tamias ruficaudus SensitiveWoodchuck Marmota monax SecureYellow-bellied Marmot Marmota flaviventris SecureHoary Marmot Marmota caligata SecureRichardson’s Ground Squirrel Spermophilus richardsonii SecureColumbian Ground Squirrel Spermophilus columbianus SecureThirteen-lined Ground Squirrel Spermophilus tridecemlineatus UndeterminedFranklin’s Ground Squirrel Spermophilus franklinii UndeterminedGolden-mantled Ground Squirrel Spermophilus lateralis SecureEastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Exotic/AlienRed Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus SecureNorthern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus SecureNorthern Pocket Gopher Thomomys talpoides SecureOlive-backed Pocket Mouse Perognathus fasciatus SensitiveOrd’s Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys ordii May Be At RiskAmerican Beaver Castor canadensis SecureWestern Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis UndeterminedDeer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus SecureNorthern Grasshopper Mouse Onychomys leucogaster SecureBushy-tailed Woodrat Neotoma cinerea SecureSouthern Red-backed Vole Clethrionomys gapperi SecureHeather Vole Phenacomys intermedius SecureMeadow Vole Microtus pennsylvanicus SecureLong-tailed Vole Microtus longicaudus SecureTaiga Vole Microtus xanthognathus UndeterminedPrairie Vole Microtus ochrogaster UndeterminedWater Vole Microtus richardsoni SensitiveSagebrush Vole Lemmiscus curtatus SecureMuskrat Ondatra zibethicus SecureBrown Lemming Lemmus sibiricus UndeterminedNorthern Bog Lemming Synaptomys borealis SecureBlack Rat Rattus rattus Exotic/AlienNorway Rat Rattus norvegicus Exotic/AlienHouse Mouse Mus musculus Exotic/AlienMeadow Jumping Mouse Zapus hudsonius SecureWestern Jumping Mouse Zapus princeps SecureCommon Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum Secure

CARNIVORES • CARNIVORACoyote Canis latrans SecureGray Wolf Canis lupus SecureArctic Fox Alopex lagopus Accidental/VagrantRed Fox Vulpes vulpes SecureSwift Fox Vulpes velox At RiskCommon Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Accidental/VagrantBlack Bear Ursus americanus SecureGrizzly Bear Ursus arctos May Be At RiskCommon Raccoon Procyon lotor SecureAmerican Marten Martes americana Secure



Fisher Martes pennanti SensitiveErmine Mustela erminea SecureLeast Weasel Mustela nivalis SecureLong-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata May Be At RiskBlack-footed Ferret Mustela nigripes Extirpated/ExtinctMink Mustela vison SecureWolverine Gulo gulo May Be At RiskAmerican Badger Taxidea taxus SensitiveStriped Skunk Mephitis mephitis SecureNorthern River Otter Lutra canadensis SecureMountain Lion/Cougar Felis concolor SensitiveCanada Lynx Lynx canadensis SensitiveBobcat Lynx rufus SensitiveFeral Dog Canis familiaris Not AssessedFeral Cat Felis catus Not Assessed

EVEN-TOED UNGULATES • ARTIODACTYLAWapiti/Elk Cervus elaphus SecureMule Deer Odocoileus hemionus SecureWhite-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus SecureMoose Alces alces SecureCaribou2 Rangifer tarandus At RiskPronghorn Antilocapra americana SensitiveAmerican Bison3 Bos bison At RiskMountain Goat Oreamnos americanus SecureMountain Sheep/Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis SecureWild Boar Sus scrofa Not Assessed

ODD-TOED UNGULATES • PERISSODACTYLAFeral Horse Equus caballus Not Assessed

2. There are two subspecies of Caribou listed in Alberta.The Barren-ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandustarandus) is listed as “Accidental/Vagrant.” TheWoodland Caribou (Rangifer taranduscaribou) is listed as “At Risk” and isconsidered a “Threatened” species underAlberta’s Wildlife Act.

3. There are two subspecies of AmericanBison listed in Alberta. The Plains Bison(Bos bison bison) is listed as“Extirpated/Extinct.” The WoodBison (Bos bison athabascae) islisted as “At Risk” and isconsidered “Endangered” underAlberta’s Wildlife Act.

GRIZZLY BEAR | gordon cour t


There are eight reptile species known to Alberta. The status of one “May Be At Risk” reptile, the WesternRattlesnake, has been assessed in detail. The two other reptiles that “May Be At Risk”—the WesternHognose Snake and the Short-horned Lizard—await detailed assessment. Like the amphibians, reptilespecies are going through a global decline. This decline is reflected in the status ranks of Alberta’s reptiles.

TURTLES • TESTUDINESPainted Turtle Chrysemys picta Sensitive

LIZARDS AND SNAKES • SQUAMATAShort-horned Lizard Phrynosoma hernandesi May Be At RiskWestern Hognose Snake Heterodon nasicus May Be At RiskBullsnake Pituophis catenifer SensitiveWestern Terrestrial Garter Snake/ Thamnophis elegans SensitiveWandering Garter SnakePlains Garter Snake Thamnophis radix SensitiveCommon Garter Snake/ Thamnophis sirtalis SensitiveRed-sided Garter SnakeWestern Rattlesnake/Prairie Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis May Be At Risk


WESTERN RAT TLESNAKE | lorne fitch

WESTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE | wayne lynch

reptilesreptiles


NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG | wayne lynch

Ten amphibian species are found in Alberta. The status of two “May Be At Risk” species, the Great PlainsToad and Canadian Toad, has been assessed in detail. In light of an apparent global decline in amphibianpopulations, it is not surprising that a high proportion of amphibian species are considered “May Be AtRisk” or “Sensitive” in Alberta. Biologists in the province have responded to this problem with a large-scale,long-term amphibian monitoring program to track population trends over time. In response to thevanishing of the population of Northern Leopard Frogs in the province, a successful reintroductionprogram was initiated in 1999. This “At Risk” species is listed as “Threatened” under Alberta’s Wildlife Act.

SALAMANDERS • CAUDATALong-toed Salamander Ambystoma macrodactylum SensitiveTiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum Secure

FROGS AND TOADS • ANURAWestern Toad Bufo boreas SensitiveGreat Plains Toad Bufo cognatus May Be At RiskCanadian Toad Bufo hemiophrys May Be At RiskPlains Spadefoot Spea bombifrons May Be At RiskBoreal Chorus Frog Pseudacris maculata SecureNorthern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens At RiskWood Frog Rana sylvatica SecureColumbia Spotted Frog Rana luteiventris Sensitive


amphibiansamphibians

CANADIAN TOAD | wayne lynch


NORTHERN PIKE | wayne lynch

Alberta’s lakes, rivers and streams contain 63 species of fish. Relative to other taxa, a high proportion (16percent) of these species are not native to Alberta (“Exotic/Alien”). One extinct subspecies of the LongnoseDace, the Banff Longnose Dace, was originally known from hot springs in Banff, Alberta. One “May Be AtRisk” fish, the Pygmy Whitefish, has been assessed in detail. Plans are currently in place for detailedassessment of the other species that “May Be At Risk” (the Shorthead Sculpin, Spoonhead Sculpin, ShortjawCisco and Western Silvery Minnow). Note that the name of the Northern Squawfish has been changed toNorthern Pikeminnow.

LAMPREYS • PETROMYZONTIFORMESArctic Lamprey Lampetra japonica Secure

SCULPINS • SCORPAENIFORMESPrickly Sculpin Cottus asper Not AssessedMottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi Not AssessedSlimy Sculpin Cottus cognatus SecureShorthead Sculpin Cottus confusus May Be At RiskSpoonhead Sculpin Cottus ricei May Be At RiskDeepwater Sculpin Myoxocephalus thompsoni Undetermined

STURGEONS • ACIPENSERIFORMESLake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens Undetermined

MOONEYES • OSTEOGLOSSIFORMESGoldeye Hiodon alosoides SecureMooneye Hiodon tergisus Secure

PIKE AND TROUT-LIKE FISHES • SALMONIFORMESCisco Coregonus artedi SecureLake Whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis SecureShortjaw Cisco Coregonus zenithicus May Be At RiskGolden Trout Oncorhynchus aguabonita Exotic/AlienCutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarki SecureRainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss SecureSockeye Salmon/Kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka Exotic/AlienPygmy Whitefish Prosopium coulteri May Be At RiskRound Whitefish Prosopium cylindraceum UndeterminedMountain Whitefish Prosopium williamsoni SecureBrown Trout Salmo trutta Exotic/AlienBull Trout Salvelinus confluentus SensitiveBrook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis Exotic/AlienDolly Varden Salvelinus malma Exotic/Alien


freshwater fishfreshwater fish



Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush SensitiveArctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus SensitiveNorthern Pike Esox lucius Secure

SUCKERS AND MINNOWS • CYPRINIFORMESLake Chub Couesius plumbeus SecureWestern Silvery Minnow Hybognathus argyritis May Be At RiskBrassy Minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni UndeterminedEmerald Shiner Notropis atherinoides SecureRiver Shiner Notropis blennius UndeterminedSpottail Shiner Notropis hudsonius SecureNorthern Redbelly Dace Phoxinus eos SensitiveFinescale Dace Phoxinus neogaeus UndeterminedFathead Minnow Pimephales promelas SecureNorthern Pikeminnow Ptychocheilus oregonensis SensitiveLongnose Dace Rhinichthys cataractae SecureRedside Shiner Richardsonius balteatus SecurePearl Dace Margariscus margarita UndeterminedFlathead Chub Platygobio gracilis SecureQuillback Carpiodes cyprinus UndeterminedLongnose Sucker Catostomus catostomus SecureWhite Sucker Catostomus commersoni SecureLargescale Sucker Catostomus macrocheilus SensitiveMountain Sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus SecureSilver Redhorse Moxostoma anisurum UndeterminedShorthead Redhorse Moxostoma macrolepidotum Secure

BULLHEAD CATFISHES • SILURIFORMESStonecat Noturus flavus Undetermined

TROUT-PERCHES • PERCOPSIFORMESTrout-perch Percopsis omiscomaycus Secure

COD • GADIFORMESBurbot Lota lota Secure

LIVEBEARERS • CYPRINODONTIFORMESMosquitofish Gambusia affinis Exotic/AlienSailfin Molly Poecilia latipinna Exotic/Alien

STICKLEBACKS • GASTEROSTEIFORMESBrook Stickleback Culaea inconstans SecureThreespine Stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus Exotic/AlienNinespine Stickleback Pungitius pungitius Undetermined

PERCHES AND CICHLIDS • PERCIFORMESSmallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu Exotic/AlienIowa Darter Etheostoma exile SecureLogperch Percina caprodes UndeterminedYellow Perch Perca flavescens SecureSauger Stizostedion canadense SensitiveWalleye Stizostedion vitreum SecureAfrican Jewelfish Hemichromis bimaculatus Exotic/Alien


CANADIAN TIGER SWALLOW TAIL | wayne lynch

butterfliesThere are 162 butterfly and skipper species recognized in Alberta. The only species that was ranked as“May Be At Risk” in the province, the Weidemeyer’s Admiral, requires detailed assessment of its biologicalstatus. The status of approximately 20 percent of Alberta’s butterflies and skippers could not bedetermined during the general status exercise in 2000, so more data on these species needs to becollected before a status can be assigned.

BUTTERFLIES AND SKIPPERS • LEPIDOPTERALarge-Spotted Blue Agriades aquilo SecureArctic Blue Agriades glandon SecureOslar’s Roadside Skipper Amblyscirtes oslari UndeterminedCommon Roadside Skipper Amblyscirtes vialis SecureDelaware Skipper Anatrytone logan UndeterminedLeast Skipper Ancyloxypha numitor UndeterminedStella Orangetip Anthocaris stella UndeterminedAlberta Fritillary Boloria alberta SecureAstarte Fritillary Boloria astarte SecureMeadow Fritillary Boloria bellona SecureArctic Fritillary Boloria chariclea SecureWestern Meadow Fritillary Boloria epithore UndeterminedBog Fritillary Boloria eunomia SecureFreija Fritillary Boloria freija SecureFrigga Fritillary Boloria frigga SecureDingy Fritillary Boloria improba UndeterminedMountain Fritillary Boloria napaea SensitiveSilver-Bordered Fritillary Boloria selene SecureBrown Elfin Callophrys augustinus SecureWestern Pine Elfin Callophrys eryphon SecureMoss’ Elfin Callophrys mossii SensitiveEastern Pine Elfin Callophrys niphon SecureHoary Elfin Callophrys polia SecureSheridan’s Hairstreak Callophrys sheridanii SensitiveThicket Hairstreak Callophrys spinetorum UndeterminedArctic Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon SecureSpring Azure Celastrina ladon SecureSmall Wood-Nymph Cercyonis oetus SecureCommon Wood-Nymph Cercyonis pegala SecureSagebrush Checkerspot Chlosyne acastus SensitiveGorgone Checkerspot Chlosyne gorgone Sensitive


butterflies



Northern Checkerspot Chlosyne palla SecureRockslide Checkerspot Chlosyne whitneyi SecureCommon Ringlet Coenonympha tullia SecureQueen Alexandra’s Sulphur Colias alexandra UndeterminedCanada Sulphur Colias canadensis UndeterminedChristina Sulphur Colias christina SecureOrange Sulphur Colias eurytheme SecureGiant Sulphur Colias gigantea SecurePink-Edged Sulphur Colias interior SecureMead’s Sulphur Colias meadii SecureLabrador Sulphur Colias nastes SecurePalaeno Sulphur Colias palaeno UndeterminedPelidne Sulphur Colias pelidne SecureClouded Sulphur Colias philodice SecureMonarch Danaus plexippus SensitiveNorthern Pearly Eye Enodia anthedon UndeterminedSilver-Spotted Skipper Epargyreus clarus UndeterminedRed-Disked Alpine Erebia discoidalis SecureCommon Alpine Erebia epipsodea SecureMagdalena Alpine Erebia magdalena UndeterminedTaiga Alpine Erebia mancinus SecureRoss’s Alpine Erebia rossii UndeterminedAfranius Duskywing Erynnis afranius SensitiveDreamy Duskywing Erynnis icelus SecurePersius Duskywing Erynnis persius SecureLarge Marble Euchloe ausinodes SecureNorthern Marble Euchloe creusa SecureOlympia Marble Euchloe olympia SecureRocky Mountain Dotted Blue Euphilotes ancilla SensitiveVariable Checkerspot Euphydryas chalcedona SecureEdith’s Checkerspot Euphydryas editha SecureGillette’s Checkerspot Euphydryas gillettii SensitiveVariegated Fritillary Euptoieta claudia SecureWestern Tailed Blue Everes amyntula SecureSilvery Blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus SecureArrowhead Blue Glaucopsyche piasus SensitivePlains Skipper Hesperia assiniboia SecureCommon Branded Skipper Hesperia comma SecureNevada Skipper Hesperia nevada SensitiveUncas Skipper Hesperia uncas SensitiveBoisduval’s Blue Icaricia icarioides SensitiveLupine Blue Icaricia lupini SecureShasta Blue Icaricia shasta SensitiveViceroy Limenitis archippus SecureWhite Admiral Limenitis arthemis SecureLorquin’s Admiral Limenitis lorquini SensitiveWeidemeyer’s Admiral Limenitis weidemeyerii May Be At RiskNorthern Blue Lycaeides idas Secure



Melissa Blue Lycaeides melissa SecureLustrous Copper Lycaena cuprea SecureGray Copper Lycaena dione SensitiveDorcas Copper Lycaena dorcas SecurePurplish Copper Lycaena helloides SecureBlue Copper Lycaena heteronea UndeterminedBronze Copper Lycaena hyllus SecureManiposa Copper Lycaena mariposa SecureAmerican Copper Lycaena phlaeas SecureRuddy Copper Lycaena rubida UndeterminedRidings’ Satyr Neominois ridingsii SensitivePine White Neophasia menapia UndeterminedMourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa SecureCalifornia Tortoiseshell Nymphalis californica UndeterminedMilbert’s Tortoiseshell Nymphalis milberti SecureCompton Tortoiseshell Nymphalis vaualbum SecureGarita Skipperling Oarisma garita SecureWoodland Skipper Ochlodes sylvanoides UndeterminedAlberta Arctic Oeneis alberta SensitiveWhite-Veined Arctic Oeneis bore UndeterminedChryxus Arctic Oeneis chryxus SecureJutta Arctic Oeneis jutta SecureMacoun’s Arctic Oeneis macounii SecureMelissa Arctic Oeneis melissa SecurePolixenes Arctic Oeneis polixenes SecureUhler’s Arctic Oeneis uhleri SecureCanadian Tiger Swallowtail Papilio canadensis SecurePale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon UndeterminedOld World Swallowtail Papilio machaon SensitiveTwo-Tailed Swallowtail Papilio multicaudatus UndeterminedAnise Swallowtail Papilio zelicaon SecureClodius Parnassian Parnassius clodius SecureRocky Mountain Parnassian Parnassius smintheus SecureTawny Crescent Phyciodes batesii SecureNorthern Crescent Phyciodes cocyta SecureField Crescent Phyciodes pratensis SecurePearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos SecureMargined White Pieris marginalis SecureMustard White Pieris oleracea UndeterminedCabbage White Pieris rapae Exotic/AlienGreenish Blue Plebejus saepiolus SecureHobomok Skipper Poanes hobomok UndeterminedDraco Skipper Polites draco SecureLong Dash Skipper Polites mystic SecurePeck’s Skipper Polites peckius SecureRhesus Skipper Polites rhesus UndeterminedTawny-Edged Skipper Polites themistocles UndeterminedGreen Comma Polygonia faunus Secure



Hoary Comma Polygonia gracilis SecureQuestion Mark Polygonia interrogationis Accidental/VagrantOreas Comma Polygonia oreas UndeterminedGray Comma Polygonia progne SecureSatyr Comma Polygonia satyrus SecureWestern White Pontia occidentalis SecureCheckered White Pontia protodice SecureSpring White Pontia sisymbrii UndeterminedGrizzled Skipper Pyrgus centaureae SecureCommon Checkered Skipper Pyrgus communis SecureTwo-Banded Checkered Skipper Pyrgus ruralis UndeterminedSmall Checkered Skipper Pyrgus scriptura UndeterminedAcadian Hairstreak Satyrium acadicum UndeterminedSooty Hairstreak Satyrium fuliginosum SecureStriped Hairstreak Satyrium liparops UndeterminedCoral Hairstreak Satyrium titus SecureEyed Brown Satyrodes eurydice UndeterminedAphrodite Fritillary Speyeria aphrodite SecureAtlantis Fritillary Speyeria atalantis SecureCallippe Fritillary Speyeria callippe SecureGreat Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele SecureEdwards’ Fritillary Speyeria edwardsii SensitiveNorthwestern Fritillary Speyeria hesperis SecureHydaspe Fritillary Speyeria hydaspe SecureMormon Fritillary Speyeria mormonia SecureZerene Fritillary Speyeria zerene SecureGray Hairstreak Strymon melinus SecureNorthern Cloudywing Thorybes pylades SecureEuropean Skipper Thymelicus lineola Exotic/AlienCranberry Blue Vacciniina optilete UndeterminedWest Coast Lady Vanessa annabella SecureRed Admiral Vanessa atalanta SecurePainted Lady Vanessa cardui SecureAmerican Lady Vanessa virginiensis SecureSouthern Dogface Zerene cesonia Accidental/Vagrant

BRONZE COPPER | carroll perk ins


CALYPSO | wayne lynch

Twenty-six species of orchids are found in Alberta, occurring in a variety of habitats. Despite their generalpopularity, many orchids are not well studied and need detailed assessment of their biological status.

ORCHIDALESSmall Round-Leaved Orchis/Round-Leaved Orchid Amerorchis rotundifolia SecureCalypso/Venus’-Slipper Calypso bulbosa SecureSpotted Coral-Root/Spotted Coralroot Corallorhiza maculata SensitiveStriped Coral-Root/Striped Coralroot Corallorhiza striata SensitiveEarly Coral-Root/Pale Coralroot Corallorhiza trifida SecurePink Lady’s-Slipper/Stemless Lady’s-Slipper Cypripedium acaule May Be At RiskMountain Lady’s-Slipper Cypripedium montanum May Be At RiskYellow Lady’s-Slipper Cyprepedium parviflorum SensitiveSparrow’s-Egg Lady’s-Slipper Cypripedium passerinum SecureLong-Bracted Orchid/Bracted Bog Orchid Dactylorhiza viridis SecureMenzies’ Rattlesnake-Plantain/Rattlesnake Plantain Goodyera oblongifolia SensitiveLesser Rattlesnake-Plantain Goodyera repens SecureNorthern Twayblade Listera borealis SecureWestern Twayblade Listera caurina May Be At RiskBroad-Leaved Twayblade/Broad-Lipped Twayblade Listera convallarioides May Be At RiskHeart-Leaved Twayblade Listera cordata SecureWhite Adder’s-Mouth Malaxis monophylla May Be At RiskBog Adder’s-Mouth Malaxis paludosa May Be At RiskAlaskan Orchid/Alaska Bog Orchid Piperia unalascensis SensitiveTall Northern Green Orchid/Northern Green Bog Orchid Platanthera aquilonis SecureWhite Bog-Orchid/Tall White Bog Orchid Platanthera dilatata SensitiveBlunt-Leaf Orchid/Blunt-Leaved Bog Orchid Platanthera obtusata SecureSmall Round-Leaved Orchid/Round-Leaved Bog Orchid Platanthera orbiculata SensitiveSlender Bog-Orchid Platanthera stricta May Be At RiskSlender Ladies’-Tresses/Northern Slender Ladies’ Tresses Spiranthes lacera May Be At RiskHooded Ladies’-Tresses Spiranthes romanzoffiana Secure


YELLOW LADY ’S-SLIPPER | wayne lynch

orchidsorchids


OSTRICH FERN | carroll perk ins

fernsfernsThere are 46 species of ferns found throughout Alberta. These species occupy a wide range of habitats inthe province, including the grasslands, mountains, foothills, boreal forest and Canadian Shield. Many fernsrequire detailed assessment of their biological status.


MARSILEALESHairy Water Fern/Hairy Pepperwort Marsilea vestita May Be At Risk

OPHIOGLOSSALESUpward-Lobed Moonwort/Ascending Grape Fern Botrychium ascendens May Be At RiskBoreal Moonwort/Northern Grape Fern Botrychium boreale May Be At RiskPrairie Dunewort/Field Grape Fern Botrychium campestre May Be At RiskCrenulate Moonwort Botrychium crenulatum May Be At RiskWestern Moonwort/Western Grape Fern Botrychium hesperium May Be At RiskLance-Leaved Moonwort/Lance-Leaved Grape Fern Botrychium lanceolatum May Be At RiskMoonwort Grape-Fern/Moonwort Botrychium lunaria SecureMingan’s Moonwort Botrychium minganense May Be At RiskLeathery Grape-Fern Botrychium multifidum May Be At RiskPeculiar Moonwort/Paradoxical Grape Fern Botrychium paradoxum May Be At RiskStalked Moonwort Botrychium pedunculosum May Be At RiskNorthern Moonwort Botrychium pinnatum May Be At RiskLeast Grape-Fern/Dwarf Grape Fern Botrychium simplex May Be At RiskSpoon-Leaf Moonwort Botrychium spathulatum May Be At RiskRattlesnake Fern/Virginia Grape Fern Botrychium virginianum Secure

FILICALES (POLYPODIALES)Aleutian Maidenhair-Fern/Maidenhair Fern Adiantum aleuticum May Be At RiskGreen Spleenwort Asplenium viride SensitiveAlpine Lady Fern/Alpine Spleenwort Athyrium distentifolium May Be At RiskSlender Lip Fern Cheilanthes feei SensitiveLace Lip Fern/Lace Fern Cheilanthes gracillima May Be At RiskAmerican Rock-Brake/Parsley Fern Cryptogramma acrostichoides SensitiveFragile Rock-Brake/Steller’s Rock Brake Cryptogramma stelleri May Be At RiskFragile Fern/Fragile Bladder Fern Cystopteris fragilis SecureMountain Bladder Fern Cystopteris montana May Be At RiskSpinulose Shield Fern/Narrow Spinulose Shield Fern Dryopteris carthusiana SecureCrested Shield Fern Dryopteris cristata May Be At RiskShield Fern/Broad Spinulose Shield Fern Dryopteris expansa SensitiveMale Fern Dryopteris filix-mas May Be At RiskFragrant Cliff Wood Fern/Fragrant Shield Fern Dryopteris fragrans Sensitive



Western Oak Fern Gymnocarpium disjunctum UndeterminedOak Fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris SecureNahanni Oak Fern/Northern Oak Fern Gymnocarpium jessoense May Be At RiskOstrich Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris SensitiveGastony’s Cliff-Brake Pellaea gastonyi May Be At RiskSmooth Cliff-Brake Pellaea glabella May Be At RiskNorthern Beech Fern Phegopteris connectilis May Be At RiskWestern Polypody Polypodium hesperium May Be At RiskSiberian Polypody Polypodium sibiricum May Be At RiskRock Polypody Polypodium virginianum May Be At RiskNorthern Holly Fern Polystichum lonchitis SensitiveBracken Fern Pteridium aquilinum SensitiveSmooth Woodsia Woodsia glabella May Be At RiskRusty Woodsia Woodsia ilvensis SensitiveOregon Woodsia Woodsia oregana SensitiveMountain Cliff Fern/Mountain Woodsia Woodsia scopulina Sensitive



STATUS AND BACKGROUND OF AT RISK, MAY BE AT RISK AND SENSITIVE SPECIESIN ALBERTA

SPECIES POPULATION NOTES BACKGROUND

TABLE 4 | BIRDS

AT RISKBurrowing Owl Alberta estimated to have 700 to 900

breeding pairs (1995) and declining.Populations declining dramatically in prairie habitats acrossCanada. Local threats include destruction of habitat and lossof ground squirrels. Designated as “Threatened” underAlberta’s Wildlife Act.

Peregrine Falcon Fewer than 60 breeding pairs in Alberta. Continued provincial recovery of this species is being fueledby declining pesticide levels in prey. Protection of wetlandfeeding areas is important. Designated as “Threatened” underthe Wildlife Act.

Piping Plover Estimated to be 100 to 150 breeding pairs inAlberta.

“Threatened” or “Endangered” throughout North America.Recovery requires protection from human disturbance andmanagement of key shoreline nesting habitats. Designated as“Endangered” under Alberta’s Wildlife Act.

Whooping Crane Wild population less than 200 individuals. All nesting sites protected in Wood Buffalo National Park.Conservation of migratory habitats and potential breedinghabitats in Alberta is required. Designated as “Endangered”under the Wildlife Act.

Ferruginous Hawk Estimated that there are 730 pairs inAlberta, down from an estimate of 1 700 in1992.

Recent declines in surveyed zones are a cause for concern.Research on ground squirrel prey base required. Designatedas “Threatened” under the Wildlife Act.

Greater Sage-Grouse

Population declining in a very restrictedarea of unique habitat. In Canada, foundonly in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Population recovery depends on the availability of sage brush-grassland habitat. Any degradation of this unique habitatcomplex will be detrimental to the population. Causes of therapid decline are under study. Designated as “Endangered”under the Wildlife Act.

Trumpeter Swan Breeding population now over 400 pairs. Critical shortage of key winter habitat in the Tri-State area(Idaho, Montana, Wyoming) still limiting population growth.Existing breeding habitat carefully managed and relativelysecure. Efforts underway to expand wintering areas.Designated as “Threatened” under the Wildlife Act.

MAY BE AT RISK

Long-billed Curlew Population low, possibly declining. Relies on native prairie grassland and is thought to bedeclining throughout its Canadian range. Alberta inventorydata presently insufficient to allow effective management.Recommended as a “Species of Special Concern” in Alberta.

Short-eared Owl Unknown. Declines in all prairie provincesand in other parts of North Americanbreeding range.

Causes of population decline unknown. Relies onmaintenance of edges of larger wetland habitats. Irruptivenature of population makes population trend assessmentsextremely difficult.

SENSITIVEAmerican Bittern Unknown. Suspected declines in some

areas of the province.Relies on permanent to semi-permanent wetlands with well-developed emergent vegetation. Drainage, consolidation andcultivation of these wetlands are continuing threats.

American WhitePelican

Estimated that there are more than 6 000pairs in the province. Number of nestingpairs increasing.

Population increasing but the number of active colonies isdecreasing. Comprehensive colony protection essential.Concern of possible disease risk. Drought across other parts ofprairies may have contributed to the increase in Alberta.


Population information poor. Some concernover population declines in parts ofAlberta.

Concern over apparent population decline throughoutCanadian range, possibly as a result of alteration of key prairiehabitats.

Baird’s Sparrow

STATUS AND BACKGROUND OF AT RISK, MAY BE AT RISK AND SENSITIVE SPECIES IN ALBERTA . . . CONTINUED

BIRDS | SENSITIVE . . . CONTINUED

Bay-breastedWarbler

Unknown. Declining over parts of NorthAmerican range.

Dependent on old-growth forest. Forest management plansneed to ensure retention of breeding habitat.

Black-throatedGreen Warbler

Uncommon. Dependent on old coniferous forest; the maintenance ofbreeding habitat in forest harvest areas will be challenging.Recommended as a “Species of Special Concern” in Alberta.

Black Tern Unknown. Documented declines inSaskatchewan and over large parts of NorthAmerican breeding range.

Causes of population decline unknown. Relies onmaintenance of larger marsh/wetland habitats.

Bald Eagle Population recovering over most of range. A species once at risk throughout much of its North Americanrange, now recovering. Low density in Alberta. Nestsvulnerable to human disturbance.

Uncommon; probably fewer than 1 000breeding pairs in Alberta.

This interior forest species requires larger blocks of maturedense woodland. Forest fragmentation is detrimental. Forestmanagement plans need to ensure breeding habitat isretained.

Barred Owl

Black-backedWoodpecker

Unknown. Maintenance of mature coniferous forests important. Standingdead trees (snags) required for nesting.

Black-crownedNight-Heron

Population has increased in Alberta overpast 20 years.

Colonial species reliant on marsh habitat. Requires specialmanagement.

Black-necked Stilt Small local populations. Very localized distribution makes populations vulnerable towetland disturbances or loss.

Brewer’s Sparrow Uncertain, but population declinesuspected.

The prairie population of the species relies on availability ofnatural sage brush.

Broad-wingedHawk

Uncommon. Decline noted throughoutparkland zone, particularly around urbanareas.

Requires large stands of mature to old-growth forest in theparkland and southern boreal forest. Careful woodlotmanagement by agricultural and forest operations required tomaintain breeding habitat.

BlackburnianWarbler

Unknown; 6-20 breeding occurrences in theprovince. Species was never common inAlberta.

Considered peripheral with a very restricted distribution inAlberta. Preference for mature mixedwood forests suggests itmay be vulnerable to forestry operations.

Bobolink Small numbers (fewer than 500 breedingpairs in Alberta).

Dependent on tall-grass meadows. Very local in distribution.

Cape May Warbler Unknown. Dependent on old-growth forest for breeding. Serious loss ofneotropical wintering habitat.

Canada Warbler Unknown. Requires old mixedwood stands with very dense understory,often adjacent to riparian areas.

Caspian Tern Very rare. Locally distributed. Protection of breeding sites is necessary to ensure viablepopulation.

Clark’s Grebe Extremely localized. Fewer than 20breeding pairs in Alberta.

Peripheral species in Alberta, but small local populations areimportant for the biodiversity of the province.

CommonNighthawk

Alberta population is considered large.More than 100 breeding occurrences in theprovince.

Occurs in every natural region in Alberta. Apparent declinerequires investigation. Food supply may be affected bypesticide use in urban and suburban areas.

Forster’s Tern Rare. Breeding locations very local. Protection of breeding sites important.

Golden Eagle Rare and local breeder. Populations stable;estimated 100 to 250 breeding pairs inAlberta.

Very low population spread over broad areas. Site-specificnest site protection is appropriate. Large numbers of northernbreeders migrate through Alberta.



GrasshopperSparrow

Uncommon with a restricted distribution inAlberta.

Prime natural sandhill habitats may be vulnerable toovergrazing, although this species may be able to inhabit tamegrassland and pastures.


Great Blue Heron Size and number of colonies declining inAlberta.

Entire Alberta population is dependent on fewer than 100known nesting colonies. Management of these key habitatsand protection from human disturbance is essential.

Great CrestedFlycatcher

Unknown; probably less than 300 breedingpairs.

Scarce species. Apparently not sensitive to habitatfragmentation, but brushing activities in parkland may bedegrading habitat.

Great Gray Owl Unknown. A naturally scarce species, widely distributed in foothill andboreal habitats. Requires stands of mature forest for nesting.

Harlequin Duck Unknown. Restricted distribution inprovince. Population appears stable.

Site-specific mitigation of disturbances may be necessary.

Horned Grebe Declining throughout range in Alberta. Drought-related disappearance of small ponds affects thisspecies. Breeding Bird Survey data show sharp decline in thelast two decades.

Loggerhead Shrike Population low, poorly understood andprobably has declined in recent years.

Concern over known population decline in much ofCanada. Conservation of prairie shrub nest habitat andimproved information on population status and trend arenecessary. Recommended as a “Species of SpecialConcern” in Alberta.

Lark Bunting Breeding Bird Survey indicates thisspecies is relatively common in thesoutheastern part of the province anduncommon throughout the rest of itsrange in Alberta. More than 100 breedingoccurrences.

Locally distributed in southern Alberta with naturally irruptivepopulations. Limited threats to its habitat have beenidentified.

Mountain Plover Four to six pairs known to breed in theprovince.

Extreme northern limit of breeding range occurs in Alberta (aperipheral species). Requires native grassland management toprovide preferred open nest sites.

Northern Goshawk Unknown. Maintenance of mature forest breeding habitat needs to beincorporated into forest planning on both public and privatelands.

Osprey Unknown. Continued monitoring and protection of specific nest sitesdesirable.

Pied-billed Grebe Declining throughout range in Alberta. Drought-related disappearance of small ponds affects thisspecies. Breeding Bird Survey data from Alberta suggestdeclining numbers over the last two decades.

Prairie Falcon Unclear. Historic range reduced in northernareas.

Core range in southern Alberta dependent on availability ofsecure nest sites and adequate ground squirrel prey base.

PileatedWoodpecker

Probably stable. Requires mature to old-growth trees for nesting. Abandonednest cavities provide essential habitat for several other forestspecies. Maintenance of breeding habitat needs to beincorporated into forest management on both public andprivate lands.

Purple Martin Uncommon. Restricted to the parkland andsouthern boreal forest. Local in east centralAlberta. More than 100 breedingoccurrences in the province.

Concern over loss of nest sites and competition from HouseSparrows and European Starlings. Neotropical winteringgrounds are under threat.

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Uncommon species. More informationneeded on population size. Estimated thereare 21-100 breeding occurrences in Alberta.

Local populations in boreal forest, foothills and RockyMountains. Forest management plans need to ensure breedinghabitat is maintained.



Sandhill Crane Unknown population size. Sparsely distributed through boreal and foothill bogs andmarshes. Sensitive to human disturbance. Land use planningneeds to incorporate the maintenance of breeding habitat.


Sprague’s Pipit Dramatic population declines documentedin recent decades.

Breeding Bird Survey data show very large declines in thisnative grassland-dependent species. Recommended as a“Species of Special Concern” in Alberta.

Sharp-tailedGrouse

Relatively common throughout thegrassland, central parkland and Peace Riverparkland.

Population dependent on open grassland/shrubland duringbreeding season. Farming intensification has decreasedhabitat availability in central Alberta.

Sedge Wren Local and uncommon in Alberta. Drought conditions combined with drainage of wetlands havedegraded nesting habitats.

Swainson’s Hawk Sharp declines in prairie population overthe last decade.

Expansion in urban and semi-urban habitats. Adult populationsubject to mass poisoning on winter range. Dependent onhealthy ground squirrel population.

Upland Sandpiper Unknown. Population probably has declined with loss of native prairiegrassland nesting areas. Appears to have relatively narrowhabitat requirements.

Western Grebe Local and uncommon in Alberta.Population believed stable.

Nesting colonies located in emergent vegetation.

Western Tanager Unknown. Declines observed in other partsof North American range.

Prefers old coniferous and mixedwood forest. Obligateneotropical migrant.

White-faced Ibis Fewer than 20 pairs. Very local indistribution.

Peripheral species in Alberta. Population disjunct frompopulations to the south. A relatively new and importantaddition to Alberta’s biodiversity.

White-wingedScoter

Uncommon breeder in Alberta. Waterfowlbreeding population surveys for 1999report over 11 000 birds in the province.

Found at most large lakes in Alberta, except in the RockyMountain and foothills regions. Waterfowl breedingpopulation surveys indicate a significant long-term decline.


TABLE 5 | MAMMALS

AT RISK

Swift Fox Approximately 100 animals estimated tohave re-established in Alberta.

Was extirpated. Major breeding and reintroduction programnow complete in Alberta. Ability to maintain population inprairie Canada is uncertain, but recent census data areencouraging. Designated as “Endangered” under the WildlifeAct.

Wood Bison Free-ranging animals in Alberta exist only inthe Hay-Zama area of northern Alberta andin Wood Buffalo National Park.

Restoration of this species in Alberta depends on resolution ofdisease concerns in northern Canada. Certain bison aredesignated as “Endangered” under the Wildlife Act.

Woodland Caribou Population stable to declining. Populationestimates range from 3 600 to 6 700individuals in the province.

Concern over maintenance of old-growth forest to providecritical winter habitat. Improved population monitoring andhabitat protection are being addressed. Designated as“Threatened” under the Wildlife Act.


Northern Myotis Population unknown. Uncommon overknown range.

Poorly known species that relies on large, early decay trees forroosting. Need to incorporate habitat requirements into forestmanagement.

Wolverine Population unknown. Harvest of wolverine is reduced from 1985 level, butpopulation status remains unknown. Subject of intensifiedresearch in province over the last two years.

Vagrant Shrew Extremely rare. Population size unknown butestimated at fewer than 100 breedingindividuals.

Known from only seven verified records in West Castle area.

Ord’s Kangaroo Rat Stable but very localized in sandhill andsand plain habitats of southeastern Alberta.

Maintenance of this rare species depends on availability andmanagement of sand dunes and loose sand areas suitable forburrows.


MAMMALS . . . CONTINUED

Long-tailed Weasel Disappearing from some habitats. Habitat lost through some agricultural activities. Populationtrend extremely difficult to monitor.

SENSITIVE

Fisher Perhaps fewer than 10 000 breedingindividuals. Population status is unknown.

Fisher harvest has continued to decline since 1985.

Red-tailedChipmunk

Population low; trend unknown. Population localized in Waterton-West Castle area and isvulnerable to habitat loss.

American Badger Locally distributed. Opinions vary as topopulation trend.

Badgers are dependent on ground squirrel populations.Badger burrows provide a key habitat element for BurrowingOwls.

Canada Lynx Cyclic species. Estimate less than 8 000individuals at bottom of the cycle.

Population decreasing in recent years, and some concernexists over habitat loss. Harvest now set by quota.

Mountain Lion Population appears stable outside thenational parks.

Primarily in southern mountains and foothills, but occasionallyranges into other areas. North of the Bow River, populationsmay be limited by prey availability.

Pronghorn Population levels fluctuate depending onwinter and summer climatic conditions.

Found mainly in the southeastern portion of the province.

Water Vole Population estimated at between 1 000 and5 000 individuals. Trend unknown.

Extremely restricted range with most specimen records fromthe Bow River to Turner Valley region and Waterton area.

Western Small-footed Myotis

Unknown. Concern for habitat security because of clumped, disjunctpopulations. Found only in prairie riverine habitats(cottonwoods and cliffs).

Olive-backedPocket Mouse

Likely a relatively large and stablepopulation.

Restricted to the grasslands of southeastern Alberta.Observations of a few dense local populations in securehabitat are not sufficient to justify “Secure” classification.

Bobcat Perhaps fewer than 1 000 individuals. Harvest of Bobcats is very low, but population presumed to bestable.

MAY BE AT RISK

Grizzly Bear Numbers appear stable outside the nationalparks since 1980.

Found in the mountains, foothills and boreal forests of Alberta.Currently sustaining its population under a very restrictivesport hunting regime. Greatest threat is loss and degradationof wilderness habitats through resource extraction andrecreational development.




TABLE 6 | REPTILES

MAY BE AT RISK

Western HognoseSnake

Extremely rare. Fewer than 100 site orspecimen records from Alberta.

Information on population and hibernacula is essential toproperly determine status and management requirements.Current population trend unknown.

Short-hornedLizard

Rare and localized. Population status and trend unknown. Occurs in stronglylocalized and isolated sandy grassland/badland/river breakhabitats.

WesternRattlesnake

Relatively common in localized habitat. Apparent population decline in similar habitat types inSaskatchewan. Maintenance in Alberta requires protection ofkey habitat elements such as hibernacula, and publiceducation to reduce human-caused mortality.

Plains GarterSnake

Common but localized. Public perception oflong-term declines.

Public education combined with protection of key habitats(hibernacula) will benefit this species.

Common GarterSnake

Common but localized. Public perception ofdeclining population.

Protection of key habitats and public education will ensure astable population.

Western TerrestrialGarter Snake

Common but localized. Least abundantgarter snake.

Maintenance of stable populations is dependent on habitatprotection and public education.

Bullsnake Stable or possibly declining population. Most vulnerable at winter dens. Requires conservation ofprairie grassland summer range, protection of hibernacula,and better population information.

Painted Turtle Probably fewer than 100 individuals. Known only from specific locations in Cypress Hills, lower MilkRiver and Oldman River. Very low population and extremelylocal and limited distribution leave this species particularlyvulnerable to site-specific habitat loss.

SENSITIVE


TABLE 7 | AMPHIBIANS

AT RISK

MAY BE AT RISK

Northern LeopardFrog

Severe declines were noted in the late1970s and early 1980s. Extirpated fromNorth Saskatchewan River drainage basin.

Previously common and widespread species but hasdisappeared from most of its Alberta range. Similar but lessextensive population declines have been documentedthroughout Canada. Protection of remnant breeding areasessential while investigations of biological needs continue.Designated as “Threatened” under the Wildlife Act.

Canadian Toad Once common in boreal and parklandhabitats.

Dramatic decline in parkland distribution. Monitoring ofapparently declining population ongoing.

Great Plains Toad Rare prairie resident. Total populationunknown but apparently declining.

Critical prairie breeding habitat declining because of drought,drainage and cultivation of wetlands. Clean water, apparentlyrequired for breeding, can be compromised by intensivelivestock use of breeding area ponds.

Plains Spadefoot Population highly variable, related toannual availability of breeding ponds.

Recent extended drought in core prairie habitats appears tohave lowered breeding population; associated drainage,consolidation and cultivation of basins have decreasedhabitat availability.


SENSITIVE

Western Toad Trend in population is unknown in Alberta.Declining in other parts of range.

Concentrated mainly in northern and western Alberta.Population requires long-term monitoring. Pollution andpesticides are threats in other parts of range.

Long-toedSalamander

Locally common. Limited number of patchy,disjunct populations.

Isolated populations focused in mountain pass riparian areas.Vulnerable to potential habitat destruction/alterationassociated with industrial, recreational and transportationdevelopment. Recommended as a “Species of SpecialConcern” in Alberta.

Columbia SpottedFrog

Population status unknown. Extremely limited distribution; possible population declinerequires investigation.


TABLE 8 | FRESHWATER FISH

MAY BE AT RISKPygmy Whitefish Very rare; only eight individuals have ever

been collected in the province.Found in the upper Athabasca River and Upper WatertonLake. Habitat inside and outside Jasper National Park could bedeteriorating because of human activities.

Shorthead Sculpin Uncommon. It has a restricted distributionin southern Alberta.

Found in the St. Mary and Milk rivers. These rivers arerelatively pristine, although used heavily for irrigation.

SpoonheadSculpin

Widely distributed in Alberta but neverabundant.

Has declined downstream from the Dickson Dam on the RedDeer River, presumably as a result of habitat degradation.

Western SilveryMinnow

Moderately abundant, but its distribution isvery restricted.

The only location in Canada where this species is found is theMilk River in southern Alberta.

Shortjaw Cisco Very rare. This fish has been recorded inonly one lake in northeastern Alberta.

A glacial relict species. No threats to the population or habitatare known. Listed as “Threatened” by COSEWIC; its status inAlberta needs to be reviewed.

AMPHIBIANS. . . CONTINUED


SENSITIVE

Arctic Grayling Not abundant but very widespread innorthern Alberta. Population declinesnoted over the past 20 to 30 years.

Increased angler access to remote streams puts pressure onthis species. New legislation introduced in 1998 should protectlarge fish, which are the most vulnerable.

Bull Trout Population and distribution have declinedover the last 100 years; however, numbersstill exceed 10 000 in Alberta. Declinescaused by overharvesting.

Harvest protection legislation since 1995 has increased somepopulations. Competition from exotic trout and interbreedingwith Brook Trout still are threats.

Lake Trout Large numbers are only found in WatertonLake National Park, Cold Lake and LakeAthabasca.

The major threat to this species is overharvest. Presentdistribution is more restricted than historical distribution.

Largescale Sucker Numbers are likely low. Found only in the Peace River drainage.

Northern RedbellyDace

Locally abundant in scattered locationsthroughout Alberta.

Prefers relatively boggy waters that are common in the borealforest. Local populations may be affected by human activity.

NorthernPikeminnow

Relatively rare. There are a small number ofrecords from the Peace River.

The presence of the Bennett Dam and the resulting fluctuationin river flow may affect the success of this species in Alberta. Itmay be expanding its range to Lake Athabasca.

Sauger Relatively abundant where it occurs butfound in few rivers in Alberta. Little isknown about Sauger biology in Alberta.

Found in lower reaches of the North Saskatchewan, Red Deer,Bow, Oldman, South Saskatchewan and Milk rivers, where it isvulnerable to habitat degradation.



TABLE 9 | BUTTERFLIES

MAY BE AT RISK

SENSITIVEAfraniusDuskywing

Population size unknown; approximately61 occurrences have been noted insouthern Alberta.

Restricted to grassland habitat; some threats from agricultureand oil and gas activity.

Arrowhead Blue Population size unknown. There areapproximately 20 records in southernAlberta.

Found in very localized colonies. Is at the northern edge of itsrange in Alberta. Agriculture and grazing may adversely affectthe grassland habitat of this butterfly.

Boisduval’s Blue Population size unknown. There are morethan 100 records in southern Alberta.

Found in localized colonies in southwestern Alberta and theCypress Hills. Human disturbance to grassland habitat, hostplant specialization and factors altering dispersal betweencolonies may render populations vulnerable.

Gray Copper Population size unknown. There areapproximately 65 records in the southernhalf of the province.

Found in moist areas of grassland, parkland and southernfoothills; availability of host plants may be affected byalteration of grasslands for agriculture.

Alberta Arctic Population size unknown. There areapproximately 10 records in northwesternAlberta.

The distribution of this butterfly is restricted to nativegrasslands in the Peace River area, where human activitiesmodify its habitat.

Edwards’ Fritillary Population size unknown. There are 38records in southern Alberta.

Habitat in grasslands is under threat from agriculture.However, parks and natural areas protect habitat in theCypress Hills and habitat areas in the foothills region.

Weidemeyer’sAdmiral

Population size unknown but estimated tobe approximately 3 200 individuals. Elevenrecords are known in southern Alberta.

Distribution is restricted to the Milk River area. Cattle grazingmay adversely affect the quality of its habitat in riparianforests and coulee bottoms. Some habitat is protected inWriting-on-Stone Provincial Park.


Lorquin’s Admiral Population size unknown. There are 12records in southwestern Alberta.

Some of its habitat is protected in Waterton Lakes NationalPark; however, forestry operations will likely impact its habitatin Crowsnest Pass area. This species may be able to toleratelow levels of human-caused disturbance.

Monarch Population size unknown. There are 18records in the southern half of the province.

This species’ habitat is subject to modification by agriculture,forestry and oil and gas exploration; however, some researchindicates that the Monarch may not be adversely affected bydisturbance. Some mountain habitat is protected in nationalparks.

Mountain Fritillary Population size unknown. There are 10records in west-central Alberta.

Has a small distribution in the northern Rocky Mountains,where habitat may be affected by forestry, oil and gasoperations. Some habitat is protected in Willmore Wildernessand Kakwa Wildland Provincial Parks.

Moss’ Elfin Population size unknown. Three records areknown from one location in southwesternAlberta.

It is at the northern limit of its range in Alberta. Larval hostplant specialization restricts its distribution to subalpineareas, where disturbances are unlikely.

GorgoneCheckerspot

Population size unknown. There are 35records within Alberta.

Habitat in the grasslands and parklands of southern Alberta isaffected by agriculture. Dam building, grazing and farming maythreaten habitat in the Peace River lowlands.

Gillette’sCheckerspot

Found in isolated populations that containfewer than 30 adults. Total number ofindividuals is likely greater than 600. Thereare at least 65 records in southwesternAlberta.

This species has a very small range, with most of the Canadianpopulation found in Alberta. Most of its mountainous habitatis protected in parks and recreation areas. However, firesuppression may adversely affect this butterfly by reducingthe amount of early succession forest.



TABLE 10 | ORCHIDS

MAY BE AT RISK

Pink Lady’s-Slipper Very restricted distribution in the CanadianShield.

Population and habitat (bogs, woods, sand dunes) subject toimpact by off-road vehicles, forestry and industrial activity.

Mountain Lady’s-Slipper

Found in very small populations. Fewlocations are known.

Very restricted distribution in mountains and foothills ofsouthwestern Alberta. Population may be declining because ofgrazing and habitat loss from forestry and industrial activity inmoist woods.

Broad-LeavedTwayblade

Found in very small populations. Relativelyfew locations known.

Very restricted distribution in mountains and foothills ofsouthwestern Alberta. Population may be declining because ofgrazing and threats to habitat (bogs, meadows) from off-roadvehicles and forestry activity.

Bog Adder’s-Mouth Found in very small populations. Fewlocations known.

Distribution restricted to a portion of the boreal region.Population may be declining because of loss of habitat (bogswith Sphagnum). Threats may include dessication as a result ofclimate change, and clearing.

Found in very small numbers. Relativelyfew locations known.

Distribution very restricted in southwestern Alberta. Threatsinclude grazing and dessication of wetlands from climatechange.

Slender Bog-Orchid

Sheridan’sHairstreak

Population size unknown. There are fiverecords in southwestern Alberta.

The habitat in Waterton Lakes National Park is protected;however, habitat in outlying areas may be threatened byagriculture and forestry.

SagebrushCheckerspot

Population size unknown. Thirty-fourrecords are known in southern Alberta.

This species and its potential host plants have a smalldistribution in Alberta. Some of the badlands that providehabitat are protected in Dinosaur Provincial Park; however,agricultural activity outside of the park may threaten somehabitat.

Uncas Skipper Population size unknown. There areapproximately 67 occurrences known fromsouthern Alberta.

Agriculture, development and oil and gas activity may threatenhabitat. Canadian range may be shrinking in the shortgrassprairie region.

Shasta Blue Population size unknown. Thirty-tworecords are known in southern Alberta.

Subalpine and alpine habitat are well protected by nationalparks. However, its prairie habitat may be adversely affectedby agricultural activities. Maintaining connections betweencolonies may be important for survival of this butterfly.

Ridings’ Satyr Population size unknown. There are 48records in southern Alberta.

Habitats include fescue, mixed- and shortgrass prairie, whichare threatened by agriculture. The range of this species hascontracted in the prairie provinces.

Old WorldSwallowtail

Population size unknown. Subspecies occurin grasslands of southern Alberta, PeaceRiver grasslands and in the boreal forestregion.

Some subspecies with limited distributions and host plantspecialization may be particularly sensitive to humandisturbances (dam building, grazing, farming). Deforestation inthe boreal region may increase the number and size of forestopenings, thereby increasing habitat for borealsubpopulations.

BUTTERFLIES | SENSITIVE . . . CONTINUED

Rocky MountainDotted Blue

Population size unknown. There areapproximately 10 records in southernAlberta.

Part of this species’ habitat is protected in the Cypress Hills;however, outlying areas are subject to human pressures. Thereare few occurrences within a small range.


Nevada Skipper Population size unknown; approximately 33occurrences known in southern Alberta.

Agriculture and oil and gas activities may threaten its habitatin the grasslands and foothills.


WesternTwayblade

Found in very small populations. Fewlocations known.

Restricted distribution in mountains and foothills of southernAlberta. Habitat may be affected by grazing, forestry andindustrial activity in moist woods.

White Adder’s-Mouth

Found in very small populations. Relativelyfew locations known.

Distributed only in a portion of the boreal region. Populationmay be declining because of loss of habitat (damp woods andmeadows, stream banks) from dessication as a result ofclimate change, and clearing.

Slender Ladies’-Tresses

Found in very small populations. Only twolocations known.

Very restricted distribution in extreme northeastern Alberta.No threats to population or habitat (open woods) known.

SENSITIVE

Menzies’ Rattlesnake-Plantain

Moderately abundant and found innumerous locations.

Restricted distribution in mountains and foothills. Limitedthreats from grazing, as well as forestry and mining activity inwoodlands.

Small Round-Leaved Orchid

Uncommon and found in very smallnumbers.

Distributed within part of the foothills and boreal region. Somethreat to habitat (mixedwood) from forestry and industrialactivity.

Spotted Coral-Root Moderately abundant but found in verysmall populations.

Population is affected by grazing and conversion of woods tocropland.

Striped Coral-Root Uncommon and found in very smallpopulations.

Threats to population and habitat include grazing andconversion of woodlands to cropland.

Yellow Lady’s-Slipper

Moderately abundant and found innumerous locations. However, populationsare small.

Found in all regions except grassland and part of boreal forest.Population may be declining through loss of native habitat(moist and dry woods, pond margins), grazing and collecting.

White Bog-Orchid Moderately abundant but found in smallnumbers.

Found in the mountains, foothills and some of the borealregion. Negatively affected by grazing and, possibly,dessication of wetlands related to climate change.

Alaskan Orchid Moderately abundant but found in smallnumbers.

Distribution limited to moist woods and meadows in themountains and foothills. Local population threatened bygrazing and, possibly, forestry and industrial activity.


ORCHIDS | MAY BE AT RISK . . . CONTINUED


TABLE 11 | FERNS

MAY BE AT RISKAleutianMaidenhair-Fern

Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. Few locations known.

Distribution restricted to southwest corner of the province, onhigh altitude cliffs and among boulders. No threats to habitator population known.

Distribution restricted to the mountains, on rocky slopes andin alpine meadows. Inventory of population and assessmentof threats required.

Alpine Lady Fern Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. Few locations known.

CrenulateMoonwort

Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. Known from only onelocation.

Very restricted distribution within Banff National Park.

Crested Shield Fern Population small and scattered across fewlocations.

Distribution is restricted to the area around Elk Island NationalPark. Population believed to have declined in the last centurythrough loss of native habitat (moist woods and marshes).

Boreal Moonwort Currently known only from one location. Very restricted distribution in the mountains. Found in grassysubalpine and alpine habitat.


Prairie Dune Wort Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. May be extirpated fromAlberta.

Known from only one location in the Edmonton area.

NorthernMoonwort

Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. Known from only a fewlocations.

Distribution restricted to mountains and foothills.

Spoon-LeafMoonwort

Very small population. Found in fewlocations.

Very limited distribution in fields, sand dunes and montanegrasslands.

Smooth Cliff-Brake Locally abundant but known from relativelyfew locations.

Distribution confined to montane valleys in central mountainsand foothills. Dry limestone rock habitat is threatened byquarrying in the Rocky Mountains.

Siberian Polypody Moderately abundant but occurs in fewlocations.

Very restricted distribution in Canadian Shield area.

Rock Polypody Locally abundant but occurs in fewlocations.

Very restricted distribution in Canadian Shield area.

Smooth Woodsia Known from few locations. Distribution restricted to mountains and foothills. Some threatto habitat (moist places on calcareous rocks, shaded cliffs)from mining.

Peculiar Moonwort Very small population. Known from veryfew locations. Also rare outside of Alberta.

Distribution restricted to southwestern Alberta, where it maybe threatened by grazing.

Lance-LeavedMoonwort

Found in very small populations, in fewlocations.

Restricted distribution within the northern and central portionof the mountains and foothills. Known habitat in nationalparks is secure.

Mingan’sMoonwort

Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. Known to occur in a numberof locations.

Distributed within the southern portion of Alberta. Populationis affected by grazing and other disturbances.

Leathery Grape-Fern

Small population. Known from a smallnumber of locations.

Found in Canadian Shield, as well as Elk Island and JasperNational Parks.

Least Grape-Fern Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. Known to occur in fewlocations.

Restricted distribution in southwestern Alberta and Elk IslandNational Park. Population believed to be in decline because ofmodification of habitat.

Hairy Water Fern Fairly abundant but found in smallpopulations.

Distribution restricted to a small portion of the grasslandregion. Local populations may be threatened by grazing, andloss of habitat (lakes and ephemeral wetlands).

Gastony’s Cliff-Brake

Population size is unknown but believed tobe very small and isolated. Known from fewlocations.

Distribution confined to montane valleys in central mountainsand foothills. Dry limestone rock habitat is threatened byquarrying in the Rocky Mountains.

Lace Lip Fern Known to occur in only one location. Very restricted distribution in southwest corner of Alberta.

Mountain BladderFern

Relatively abundant but known to occur inonly a few locations.

Local populations in moist forest habitat may be threatened byforestry activity.

Male Fern Population size unknown but believed tobe small. Few known locations.

Distribution restricted to mountains of southwestern Alberta.Population is affected by grazing, and loss of habitat (woodedslopes) to forestry operations.

Nahanni Oak Fern Population is very small and known onlyfrom a few locations.

Confined mainly to a very small portion of the CanadianShield.

Northern BeechFern

Population small. Known from only a fewlocations.

Distribution restricted within mountains/foothills and part ofboreal forest. Population believed to have declined.


Fragile Rock-Brake Uncommon and found in very smallnumbers.

Distribution is restricted to mountains and foothills.Calcareous rock habitat is diminished from limestonequarrying.

FERNS | MAY BE AT RISK. . . CONTINUED


Ostrich Fern Common and found in a number oflocations.

Distributed within part of boreal region, mountains andfoothills. Population believed to be declining through grazing,and loss of habitat (mature woods) from forest harvest.

Rusty Woodsia Locally common in a few locations. Restricted to the mountains and Canadian Shield. No threats topopulation or habitat (cliffs and rocky slopes) known.

Oregon Woodsia Uncommon and found in small populations. Distribution includes the mountains, foothills and CanadianShield. Some threat to rocky habitat from mining.

Upward-LobedMoonwort

Very small population. Currently knownfrom only one location.

Very restricted distribution in Banff National Park.

Western Moonwort Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. Known from few locations.

Restricted distribution in southern Alberta, on grassymountain slopes and in ditches. Local populations may bethreatened by grazing.

Western Polypody Population very small. Known from only afew locations.

Distribution restricted to southwestern Alberta (WatertonLakes National Park).

Stalked Moonwort Population size unknown but believed tobe very small. Known from only onelocation.

Distribution very restricted in southwestern Alberta. Found inbrushy habitat along streams and roadsides.

SENSITIVE

Green Spleenwort Found in numerous small, localizedpopulations.

Distribution restricted to mountains and foothills, includinglimestone rock habitat removed by quarrying in the RockyMountains.

Fragrant Cliff WoodFern

Population size unknown, but speciesbelieved to be moderately abundant.

Disjunct distribution with scattered records in mountains, aswell as foothills and Canadian Shield regions. Possible futurethreats to siliceous rock habitat from mining and hydrodevelopment.

Bracken Fern Often locally abundant. Confined to a very small portion of the mountains andfoothills. No threats to habitat (woods and open areas) orpopulation known.

Mountain Cliff Fern Population size unknown, but speciesbelieved to be moderately abundant.

Distribution restricted to mountains and foothills. May besome local threats to rocky habitat from mining.

FERNS | MAY BE AT RISK. . . CONTINUED

American Rock-Brake

Numerous locations known. Somewhat restricted distribution in the mountains, foothillsand Canadian Shield. No threats to habitat (rock outcrops) orpopulation known.

Northern HollyFern

Locally abundant and known from anumber of locations.

Distribution restricted to the mountains and foothills. Nothreats to population or habitat known.


Slender Lip Fern Locally very abundant and found innumerous locations.

Somewhat restricted distribution in the mountains andfoothills parkland. No threats to habitat (sandstone outcrops)or population known.

Shield Fern Population size unknown, but speciesbelieved to be moderately abundant.

Distribution restricted to mountains, foothills and very smallportion of boreal forest. Forestry operations in woodlands maybe a threat.


linkageslinkagesWild Species 2000: The General Statusof Wild Species in Canada

The national report on the assessment of wildspecies in Canada, Wild Species 2000: The GeneralStatus of Species in Canada, is directlycomplementary to this document. In thenational report, information has been compiledon the same groups of species for all theprovinces and territories in Canada, and anational status ranking has been assigned toeach species.

A website to get information about species atrisk programs in Canada, including the nationalreport is:

<www.wildspecies.ca>

Alberta Species at Risk Program

For more information on Alberta wildlife andthe Species at Risk program, link to:

<www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fishwl.html>

Canadian Species at Risk Program(COSEWIC)

The evaluation process described in this reportuses various criteria to determine whether aspecies is secure, or in need of a more detailedassessment. In Canada, the national body ofexperts that assesses the status of wildCanadian species in detail is called theCommittee on the Status of EndangeredSpecies in Canada (COSEWIC).

For information on COSEWIC, link to:

<www.cosewic.gc.ca>

Programs in Other Provinces, Territoriesand Countries

The status ranking system described in this report usescriteria that are shared by all other Canadianjurisdictions. The process is also similar to methodsused internationally, including the largest coordinatedeffort in the Americas to gather standardizedinformation on animals, plants and ecosystems byNatural Heritage programs. Conservation Data Centres(CDCs), the active component of Natural Heritageprograms, exist in all Canadian provinces but areabsent from Nunavut, Yukon and the NorthwestTerritories. Agreements for exchanging data andinformation about northern species among territoriesand provinces are ongoing.

For information on Natural Heritage programs andCDCs, go to:

<www.abi.org>

International Conventions andAgreements—Canadian Context

At the 1992 Conference on the Environment andDevelopment in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Canada becamea signatory to the United Nations Convention onBiological Diversity. In the Convention, signatories areto: “a) Identify components of biodiversity importantfor its conservation and sustainable use;b) Monitor…the components of biodiversity…payingparticular attention to those requiring urgentconservation measures and those which offer thegreatest potential for sustainable use; and c) Identifyprocesses and categories of activities which have orare likely to have significant adverse impacts on theconservation and sustainable use of biodiversity andmonitor their effects through sampling and othertechniques” (Article 7).

For information about biodiversity, link to:

<www.biodiv.org>

SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTFish and Wildlife Service

isbn no. 0-7785-1794-2 (printed edition) - alberta...pub no. i/023 isbn no. 0-7785-1794-2 (printed...

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