Species are listed by status category:
Endangered | Threatened | Vulnerable | Extirpated | Extinct
 

Status Category	Definition
Endangered	a species facing imminent extirpation or extinction
Threatened	a species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed
Vulnerable	a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events
Extirpated	a species that no longer exists in the wild in the Province but exists in the wild outside the Province
Extinct	a species that no longer exists

ENDANGERED

Moose (Mainland Population) (Alces alces americana) - Endangered (2003)

The native population of moose in Nova Scotia is limited to approximately 1000 individuals in isolated sub-populations across the mainland. The population has declined by at least 20% over the past 30 years with much greater reductions in distribution and population size over more than 200 years, despite emxtensive hunting closures since the 1930's. The decline is not well understood but involves a complex of threats including: over harvesting, illegal hunting, climate change, parasitic brainworm, increased road access to moose habitat, spread of white-tailed deer, very high levels of cadmium, deficiencies in cobalt and possibly an unknown viral disease. Moose on Cape Breton Island are not risk as they are abundant and the result of a re-introduction of moose from Alberta in the 1940’s. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Boreal Felt Lichen (Erioderma pedicullatum) - Endangered (2003)

This small, inconspicuous lichen has experienced a dramatic decline of over 90% in occurrences and individuals over the last two decades. Boreal Felt Lichen is now known in Nova Scotia from only one site that includes three individuals all within an area of only a few hundred square meters. The primary threats to Boreal Felt Lichen are atmospheric pollutants and acid precipitation which can cause the death of individuals and disrupt reproduction. The lichen can also be threatened by forestry and other land use practices if they disrupt the moist microclimate that is essential for the species. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Atlantic Whitefish (Coregonus huntsmani) - Endangered (2002)

The Atlantic whitefish is a species endemic to Nova Scotia, meaning that it breeds nowhere else in the world. In Nova Scotia it is found only in the Tusket and Petite Riviere watersheds and may have been extirpated from the Tusket River system. Little is known about this species and no population estimate for the species exists. Past and present threats to the species include: hydro-electric development, predation by non-native fish species (e.g. chain pickerel, smallmouth bass), acidification and fishing. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) - Endangered (2002)

Lynx formally occurred in areas of suitable habitat across mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. The current population is very small and restricted to two areas in the highlands of Cape Breton Island. Historic and current threats to Lynx include: harvesting, competition from bobcats and coyotes, habitat loss, disease and climate change. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

American Marten (Cape Breton Population) (Martes americana) - Endangered (2001)

The Cape Breton population of Marten is likely less than 50 animals. At present there is no evidence of breeding and there has been extensive loss and degradation of suitable habitat. Marten were trapped extensively throughout Nova Scotia since the 1700's until the season was closed in the early 1900's due to low numbers. The species was thought to have been extirpated from the mainland and several re-introductions have been attempted. There have been some very recent records of Marten in southwest Nova Scotia. However, the status of the Marten on the mainland is considered "data deficient." More research is required. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Water-Pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata) - Endangered (2001)

An aquatic species of Atlantic Coastal Plain species known in Canada only from two lakeshores in southwestern Nova Scotia. One of these populations is within Kejimkujik National Park and is protected. Research has recently verified that these plants are not capable of sexual reproduction and the species persists here only through asexual reproduction. The abundance of this species can vary dramatically at these sites over time. Threats to the species include shoreline alteration, human and vehicle disturbance and eutrophication (nutrient enrichment). Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Plymouth Gentian (Sabatia kennedyana) - Endangered (2001)

An Atlantic Coastal Plain species, known in Canada only from a small number of lakeshores in Nova Scotia. The populations here are very small. Threats include: human alteration and loss of lakeshore habitats, water pollution, destruction of populations and habitat by ATV's and other recreational activities. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) - Endangered (2000)

Three small disjunct populations of Blanding's Turtle are found in central southwest Nova Scotia comprising around two hundred adult animals in total. These turtles are genetically distinct with behavioural and physical differences that distinguish them from Blanding's Turtles in Ontario and the United States. Predators like the raccoon and human alteration of lake shores (water level) used for nesting are the major threats to this species in Nova Scotia.  Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) - Endangered (2000)

About one hundred pairs of this seabird breed in Canada. All but a few pairs are in a small number of colonies in Nova Scotia. The size of the population and the number of breeding sites have declined markedly in the past fifty years. Predation by gulls on eggs and young, human disturbance at colonies and coastal development all pose significant threats to this species. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodius) - Endangered (2000)

In Nova Scotia only about forty breeding pairs of Piping Plovers remain. These birds are dispersed around the province on seventeen sand beaches. Despite concerted conservation efforts here and elsewhere in North America, the numbers of this species remain low. The main reasons for this include: deterioration of marginal nesting habitat due to natural events (storms, vegetation succession), human alteration of beach habitat, human disturbance during nesting and predation by birds and mammals on eggs and young. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Harlequin Duck (Historonicus historonicus) - Endangered (2000)

Less than 250 Harlequin Ducks winter on the coast of Nova Scotia. The eastern sub-species, which occurs here, has declined. Little is known about it other than that it breeds along rivers in Labrador and Newfoundland. This species is at risk because of its small population size and other factors including illegal hunting and oil spills. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Pink Coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea) - Endangered (2000)

This Atlantic Coastal Plain plant species is found in Canada on the shores of only three lakes in Nova Scotia. Populations in the United States are also at risk. Threats include: human alteration and loss of lakeshore habitats, water pollution, destruction of populations and habitat by ATV's and other recreational activities. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Thread-leaved Sundew (Drosera filiformis) - Endangered (2000)

This Atlantic Coastal Plain plant species is found in Canada in only five wetland bogs in southwestern Nova Scotia. Threats to this species include the draining, alteration and development of bog habitats. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Eastern Mountain Avens (Geum peckii) - Endangered (2000)

This highly disjunct plant species is found in Canada at only six sites in Digby Neck and Brier Island. At some sites the populations have declined substantially or have disappeared altogether. This is due to habitat loss and degradation caused by the draining of wetlands and the invasion of habitat by weeds and shrubs. These invasions may be the result of nutrient enrichment by large populations of Herring and Greater black-backed Gulls. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

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THREATENED

Yellow Lamp Mussel (Lampsilis cariosa) - Threatened (2006)

A species of freshwater mussel found in Canada on only two rivers including the Sydney River, Nova Scotia. The current population is large and apparently stable, but confined to a small area. Threats are currently limited, but the very small and discontinuous range of this species in Nova Scotia makes it vulnerable to pollution and degradation of habitat. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) - Threatened (2003)

In Nova Scotia, the Ribbon Snake exists as a small, isolated post-glacial relic population confined to the southwest part of the province. This semi-aquatic snake is restricted to specialized habitats on lakeshores and other wetland habitats. Little is known about the species. As such, it is unique and due to its apparently small population is susceptible to demographic and environmental fluctuations. In addition, the species is threatened by habitat loss due to shoreline development. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Tubercled Spikerush (Eleocharis tuberculosa) - Threatened (2003)

This Atlantic Coastal Plain plant species is found in Canada on the shores of only five lakes in Nova Scotia. One population is considered a distinct endemic form (E. tuberculosa, forma pubnicoensis) Some populations of this species in the United States are also at risk. Threats to this species are linked to: its small, very localized populations, human alteration and loss of lakeshore habitats, destruction of populations and habitat by ATV's and other recreational activities. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Redroot (Lacnanthes caroliana) - Threatened (2002)

An Atlantic Coastal Plain species, known in Canada only from a small number of lakeshores in Nova Scotia. The populations are small and very restricted in distribution. Threats to the species include; human alteration and loss of lakeshore habitats, water pollution, destruction of populations and habitat by ATV's and other recreational activities. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Golden-crest (Lophiola aurea) - Threatened (2001)

An Atlantic Coastal Plain species of plant found in a six wetlands in southwestern Nova Scotia. These are the only locations for this plant in Canada. Historically, two populations were lost and the extant populations are all under some threat. Threats include alteration of wetland and shoreline habitat through land use change, water level manipulation and eutrophication (nutrient enrichment). Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Peregrine Falcon (Falco perigrinus anatum) - Threatened (2000)

There have been one to five pairs of Peregrine Falcons nesting in Nova Scotia during the past five years. During the previous forty years, this falcon was absent from the Province and a large part of Canada. The decline was primarily due to the use of organochlorine pesticides. Through extensive recovery efforts the situation for this species has improved; however, it is too soon to determine if the population is secure. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

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VULNERABLE

Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) - Vulnerable (2006)

Cedar is an uncommon tree in Nova Scotia and currently only 32 stands in five counties have been identified. The population is fragmented and comprised of mostly small stands that appear genetically separate from each. Most populations are different from populations in NB and PEI. Almost all of the cedar are located on private land and only one stand is formally protected. In the recent past stands have been lost to forest harvesting and highway construction. Ornamental cedars of the same species have been planted around homes and in gardens; these trees are not considered part of the native population and are not covered by the listing under the Act. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Eastern Lilaeopsis (Lilaeopsis chinensis) - Vulnerable (2006)

Lilaeopsis is a small perennial herb reproducing both by seed and extensively by vegetative spread. It is highly restricted geographically and present in Canada at only three estuaries in Nova Scotia. Despite this, the population is large. No declines of significance have been documented over the last 15 years. It does not appear to have any imminent threats; however, future shoreline development or degradation could destroy extant populations. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Prototype Quillwort (Isoetes prototypes) - Vulnerable (2006)

A regional endemic with almost all of its global population in Canada . The species is an aquatic perennial with very specific habitat requirements limiting its occurrence in Canada to about 12 small unconnected lakes, 9 of which are in Nova Scotia. The species is found in nutrient-poor, cold, spring-fed lakes. Although several sites have been shown to contain large numbers of plants, one half of the documented sites contain small populations. A wide range of potential limiting factors could impact the species, including changes in water quality, boating and shoreline development. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) - Vulnerable (2002)

Bicknell's Thrush is of concern because of habitat change, low numbers, patchy distribution, and low reproductive potential. However, little is known about this secretive species. It breeds in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the northeastern United States. In Nova Scotia, it is currently restricted largely to Cape Breton Island, although historically it was found on a few offshore islands in the southwest part of the province. Habitat has been altered in Nova Scotia over the last century by infestations of spruce budworm and forest management practices. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

New Jersey Rush (Juncus caesariensis) - Vulnerable (2001)

An Atlantic Coastal Plain species in Canada known only from sixteen bogs and fens in south eastern Cape Breton. The species grows on the edge of bogs and fens. It is locally abundant in some sites and Nova Scotia supports over fifty percent of the world's population. Land use activities that disrupt the integrity of the edge of these bogs could compromise the survival of this species. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Long's Bulrush (Scirpus longii) - Vulnerable (2001)

An Atlantic Coastal Plain species in Canada known from ten sites in Nova Scotia. It is a very long-lived plant that forms conspicuous circular clones. It inhabits bogs and other wetlands. The populations have been impacted by wetland modification in the past and would be susceptible to wetland development in the future. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) - Vulnerable (2000)

There may be 2,500 Wood Turtles widely dispersed across river habitats in Nova Scotia, but information suggests that this species is declining. Like other turtles, this species is of concern because even low mortality rates of adults can have serious population impacts. Threats to wood turtles in Nova Scotia include alteration and destruction of river and stream habitats and translocations of turtles by people. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) - Vulnerable (2000)

An Atlantic Coastal Plain species of shrub that is found in Canada only on six lakeshores in southwestern Nova Scotia. Three of these populations, discovered in the past three years, are large and indicate that the plant is more abundant that previously thought. However, there is still concern that this long-lived perennial may have limited sexual reproduction in Nova Scotia, where it is at the northern limit of its range. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

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EXTIRPATED

Eastern Wolf (Canis Lupis) - Extirpated (2006)

The wolf appears always to have been rare in Nova Scotia, although the reasons for its rarity are not understood. There is no evidence that the species bred here but it has been suggested that it periodically moved into Nova Scotia from New Brunswick. Wolves were present around 1786, in the 1830’s and 1845. Although bounties were offered for wolf from 1796 to 1846 very few were paid out, further support for the view that there were very few wolves in Nova Scotia. The species is thought to be extirpated from the Nova Scotia since the mid 1800’s. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) - Extirpated (2006)

Prior to settlement by Europeans, caribou were common and throughout much of Nova Scotia. Their extirpation was well under way by the 1830’s. By 1905 on the mainland and 1912 on Cape Breton Island caribou were virtually extirpated. Animals were seen after this; the last one shot on Cape Breton in 1921. The decline of caribou was the result of a complex of interacting factors including loss of habitat through fires and forest harvesting, hunting, warming climate and competition/disease associated with increasing white-tailed deer numbers. Failed re-introduction attempts were made in the province in 1939 and in the late 1960’s. The closest living relatives of Nova Scotia caribou are likely the boreal small Gaspé population. These animals were listed by COSEWIC as Endangered in 2002. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Atlantic Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) - Extirpated (2006)

Walrus was known to breed on Sable Island but were hunted for their oil and virtually disappeared from Nova Scotia waters by the late 1800’s. Although the species has been extirpated from the Northwest Atlantic (Nova Scotia), the Mackenzie Delta and the St. Lawrence River, it occurs widely in northern waters from the polar ice-sheet in the Arctic Ocean to the Bering Sea, James Bay and the Labrador coast. It is thought that these walrus are affected by toxic substances built up in their organs, harvest, oil spills, and other human disturbances but the extent of the negative impacts is not known. Occasional stragglers from the latter population are seen in Nova Scotia waters. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

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EXTINCT

Sea Mink (Mustela macrodon) - Extinct (2006)

Little is known about the biology of the Sea Mink. It was only recognized as a distinct species after it was already extinct. The Sea Mink inhabited the ocean coast, particularly rocky coasts and offshore islands. The species range is not known, but is believed to have extended from Connecticut to the Bay of Fundy, and possibly to Newfoundland. Its extinction probably resulted from over harvesting for the fur trade. The last specimen was taken at Campobello Island, New Brunswick, about 1894. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Labrador Duck (Camptorynchus labradorius) - Extinct (2006)

The Labrador Duck is thought to have bred in Labrador. It had a very limited breeding range and was never abundant. During the winter, these ducks were seen as far south as Chesapeake Bay. There are several confirmed records for Labrador Duck in Nova Scotia. The last living individual was seen at Elmira, New York, in 1878. The reasons for its extinction are unknown. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) - Extinct (2006)

The Passenger Pigeon was once common in the deciduous forests of eastern North America and commonly bred in Nova Scotia. During migrations, Passenger Pigeons were once so numerous that they darkened the sky. Numbers of Passenger Pigeons were greatly reduced by market hunting, but this slaughter ceased while tens of thousands of the birds still remained, and suitable habitat still existed. It has been suggested that the colonies may have become so small that predators were able to have a significant impact. In Nova Scotia, the Passenger Pigeon had all but disappeared by the 1850’s. The last individual died in captivity, in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 1 September 1914. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis) - Extinct (2006)

The Great Auk was the largest and only flightless member of the Auk family. It nested in large colonies on coastal islands. Each nesting pair produced only one egg, laid on bare rock, per year. The Great Auk bred along both coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean. In Canada , it was found only in Newfoundland, on the Magdalen Islands, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In Nova Scotia evidence of this species is limited to bones found in shell heaps. Great Auks were hunted extensively for feathers used in bedding, as well as for food. Their eggs were extensively collected even the chicks were harvested for fish bait. The last Great Auk was killed in Iceland on June 3, 1844. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

Eelgrass Limpet (Lottia alveus alveus) - Extinct (2006)

The Northwest Atlantic subspecies of the Eelgrass Limpet occurred only on the blades of Eelgrass, Zostera marina, The limpet has not been collected since 1929. It was first described in 1831 in Massachusetts and was reported from Labrador to New York. It is the first maritime invertebrate known to have become extinct. The limpet’s decline and ultimate extinction have been linked to the dramatic and extensive decline in eelgrass that was likely caused by the slime mould Labyrinthula. The plant’s decline caused other repercussions in the marine ecosystem as well, including large reductions in migratory waterfowl populations, loss of commercial scallop fisheries, and alterations of near-shore soft sediment habitats. Additional Information: Recovery Team, Status Report, Recovery Plan

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