Process Chart

1. Monitoring starts with an inventory of wildlife species to get an idea of the population status and trend, its ecological function, and a way of tracking information. As a result, the Minister publishes the report on the general status of wildlife species, every 5 years. 2. The species assessment process is conducted by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Based on the status report, they use a committee of experts to conduct a species assessment and assign the status of a wildlife species believed to be at some degree of risk nationally.

3. In response to an assessment and status designation, the Minister issues a response statement. This document reflects the jurisdictional commitment to action and acts as a start to the national recovery process.

4. A recovery strategy outlines what is scientifically required for the successful recovery of a species at risk. This includes an identification of its critical habitat and what needs should be addressed.

An action plan then identifies those specific actions needed to help in the species recovery as identified in the recovery strategy. This includes the various projects and activities with associated timelines.

5. Evaluation programs are carried out against the goals and objectives of the recovery strategy and action plan, where they are most effective. As a result, the Minister must produce an annual report on the administration and implementation of the Act.

Monitoring, assessment, response, recovery, and evaluation are ongoing processes that are taken to improve the species status and ecosystem.