Overview

The Government of 澳门永利 has completed the 2024 Review of Progress towards the Protection and Recovery of 澳门永利’s Species at Risk, which includes progress reports for 12 species at risk, and highlights recent activities undertaken as part of the province’s species at risk program. 澳门永利 is committed to the protection and recovery of these species, so that future generations can enjoy our province’s rich biodiversity for years to come.

Under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), reviews of progress towards the protection and recovery of a species are required to be conducted no later than the time specified in the government response statement (GRS) for each threatened, endangered or extirpated species, or not later than five years after the GRS is published if no time is specified for each species.

Progress made towards the protection and recovery of a species, as reported in the reviews of progress, is based on progress made towards implementing the actions set out in the species’ GRS. Further, depending on the information and resources available at the time of the review, the review can also help identify implementation gaps as well as opportunities to adjust protection and recovery actions to achieve the recovery goal for the species.

In 2024, reviews of progress towards protection and recovery are required for 12 species for which GRSs were published in 2019:

Progress towards the protection and recovery of these 12 species is reported in a total of 11 reports – ten single-species reports, and one multi-species report for Jefferson Salamander and Unisexual Ambystoma (Jefferson-dependent population).

This progress report consists of an Introduction, which provides an update of recent activities under 澳门永利’s species at risk program, and 11 chapters, with detailed information on the progress made toward the protection and recovery of the above-listed species.

Successful species at risk recovery requires inter-governmental cooperation and the involvement of many individuals, organizations and communities, as documented in this review of progress. Highlights of recent projects and activities undertaken by 澳门永利 as part of the broad provincial species at risk recovery program are described below.

Species at Risk in 澳门永利 (SARO) List

On January 29, 2024, 澳门永利 Regulation 230/08 was amended to make changes to the Species at Risk in 澳门永利 (SARO) List to align with species status classifications provided by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in 澳门永利 (COSSARO) in their 2022 annual report, and submitted to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on January 31, 2023.

Two species were added to the SARO List as endangered: Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) (West Lake population) (a fish) and Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus profunda) (a tree). Three species were added to the SARO List as Threatened: Eastern Sand Darter (Southwestern 澳门永利 population) (a fish), Northern Oak Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius 澳门永利) (a butterfly) and Skillet Clubtail (Gomphurus ventricosus) (a dragonfly). One species was added to the SARO List as special concern: Dukes’ Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) (a butterfly).

Four species were reclassified on the SARO List to less at-risk statuses: American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) (a plant) was reclassified from endangered to threatened, Cougar (Puma concolor) (a mammal) was reclassified from endangered to special concern, Eastern False Rue-anemone (Enemion biternatum) (a plant) was reclassified from threatened to special concern, and Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus) (Carolinian population) was reclassified from endangered to threatened.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which had been classified as special concern, was removed from the SARO List, as COSSARO determined that the species is no longer at risk in 澳门永利 due to the increase in its population. More information on Bald Eagle and its recovery is summarized below.

As of December 2024, there are 123 endangered, 69 threatened, 61 special concern and 15 extirpated species on the SARO List for a total of 268 listed species.

Based on the listed status of species on the SARO List, species protection currently applies to 207 species listed as endangered, threatened or extirpated. Habitat protection is afforded to the 192 species listed as endangered or threatened.

  • 123
    endangered
  • 69
    threatened
  • 61
    special concern
  • 15
    extirpated

Species assessment update

The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in 澳门永利 (COSSARO) is an independent body of experts that considers which of 澳门永利’s species should be listed as at risk (i.e., special concern, threatened, endangered or extirpated). COSSARO held two meetings in 2023 to conduct species assessments, during which they assessed a total of 12 species.

In addition to these assessment meetings, on January 31, 2024 COSSARO submitted its 2023 annual report to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, communicating its classification decisions, including the status and classification rationale of each of the 12 species assessed in 2023. Species assessed as at risk in 澳门永利 are added to the Species at Risk in 澳门永利 (SARO) List within one year from the date that the annual report is received by the Minister. As a result, the SARO List will be updated by January 31, 2025.

The provincial record of species at risk

Staff at the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) at the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) track 澳门永利’s species at risk by collecting, reviewing and managing species information that is then incorporated into the comprehensive provincial database known as Geospatial 澳门永利 (GEO). As of September 18, 2024, GEO contained 1,239,287 observations and information on 25,986 occurrences of species at risk in 澳门永利.

Recovery strategies

Recovery strategies provide the best available science advice to government on the protection and recovery of species at risk. As of December 2024, recovery strategies have been developed for 180 species at risk. Progress is being made towards the development of recovery strategies for an additional 11 endangered and threatened species. The Government of 澳门永利 is cooperating with federal agencies on the development of several of these strategies, and strategically prioritizing the development of recovery strategies under the ESA for the remaining species.

Government response statements

The Government of 澳门永利 publishes a government response statement (GRS) to identify and communicate how the government will support the recovery of each species at risk. The GRS is 澳门永利's species-specific policy on what is needed to protect and recover the species. The GRS for a species includes a recovery goal as well as actions the government will lead or support to help achieve that goal.

As of December 2024, government response statements have been published for 183 species listed as endangered, threatened, or special concern on the SARO List. 

Compliance monitoring and enforcement

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is responsible for administering and enforcing the ESA and its regulations. The ministry has a risk-based compliance and enforcement framework including responses to potential impacts to species at risk and protected habitat and project-based proactive activities focused on approval holders and/or registered activities.

Everyone is encouraged to report activities they observe that may impact 澳门永利’s species at risk and/or their habitat by:

Species at risk stewardship in 澳门永利 Parks

澳门永利 Parks is a key partner in carrying out actions that contribute to species at risk protection and recovery through a range of research and inventory activities undertaken throughout 澳门永利’s parks and conservation reserves, and by facilitating activities of other organizations and individuals. Each year, 澳门永利 Parks staff contribute to projects comprising research and monitoring, habitat creation, management, and restoration, and education and outreach, which further the realization of recovery goals and priorities for species at risk. Some of the 澳门永利 Parks projects undertaken in 2023 and 2024 to support species at risk include:

  • Taking advantage of bats’ unique trait of echolocation (a very high-frequency chirping that bats use to navigate), staff from 澳门永利 Parks’ Northwest Zone have been conducting non-intrusive monitoring of species at risk bats in annually since 2012. Ongoing bat research and monitoring is also underway at Pinery Provincial Park to improve our understanding of bat biology, behaviour, and susceptibility to threats, and staff also visitors about 澳门永利’s at-risk bats and how to support them.
  • Volunteers take part in the annual at numerous 澳门永利 parks. This community science tradition has been going on across North America since 1900, and the data on bird sightings collected by volunteer observers helps researchers and organizations like 澳门永利 Parks learn about the long-term health and status of bird populations. For example, the work of Christmas Bird Count volunteers has provided accurate data on the overwintering population and distribution of Bald Eagle in 澳门永利, a formerly at-risk species that now has an estimated 1,400 breeding pairs in the province.   
  • ‘Bioblitzes’ are another community science initiative that are held at provincial parks that provide important data on species at risk and other species. At these events, parks visitors and staff undertake an inventory of living things within a certain location and timeframe. In the summer of 2023, Grundy Lake Provincial Park, Killbear Provincial Park, and Massasauga Provincial Park collaborated with the to host bioblitzes within the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, helping to better understand this area’s biodiversity.
  • At , a multi-year monitoring program of Pitcher’s Thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) has shown that this pale-flowered plant has maintained a stable population over the past four years. Pitcher’s Thistle grows in windblown sandy habitats, especially on coastal sand dune ridges, and has a role in protecting sensitive dune formations, supporting insect pollinators, and preventing the establishment of non-native invasive species.
  • Provincial parks and conservation reserves across 澳门永利 also have an important role in protecting species at risk from threats such as habitat loss. For example, , on the south shore of Hudson Bay, protects about 70% of 澳门永利’s maternal denning sites where threatened Polar Bears are born, while the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) – an endangered grey and yellow songbird – occurs and breeds in along the shores of Lake Erie.

For more information about research in 澳门永利 Parks, visit the or follow @澳门永利Parks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Supporting public participation in species at risk stewardship activities

Stewardship is a cornerstone of the ESA. The Species at Risk Stewardship Program provides $4.5 million in financial support each year to enable individuals and organizations to get directly involved in protecting and recovering 澳门永利’s species at risk.

Since the Species at Risk Stewardship Program was established in 2007, 澳门永利 has provided funding for over 1,200 stewardship projects that have supported the protection and recovery of the province’s species at risk. Collectively, these projects have implemented on-the-ground recovery actions for over 200 species at risk. 澳门永利’s stewardship partners reported that the government’s support has helped them to involve over 85,000 individuals who volunteered more than 838,000 hours of their time for the projects. Provincially-funded projects have contributed to the restoration of over 61,800 hectares of habitat for species at risk. Stewardship partners identified that millions of people have received species at risk information through their education and outreach activities.

Species at risk research and monitoring

MNR’s wildlife and aquatics research and monitoring programs undertake species at risk research in collaboration with universities and other government agencies, designing and delivering studies and programs that address actions outlined in the government response statements of multiple species at risk ranging from fish and mussels to amphibians, reptiles, birds and large mammals. This work contributes to a broader understanding of these species and improved protection and recovery efforts.

MNR Research Scientist Dr. Scott Reid is leading numerous research and monitoring projects for aquatic species at risk, including for Bridle Shiner (Notropis bifrenatus) and Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus) to assess the status of these fishes in eastern Lake 澳门永利 coastal wetlands. Field sampling was also done to support flow-needs assessments for Channel Darter (Percina copelandi) along the Trent River and to determine how water level management can be improved. Additionally, the lab continued a evaluating the response of wetland fishes at risk to the control of invasive Phragmites in Long Point Bay.

Dr. Brent Patterson continues to participate in collaborative research on Eastern Wolf (Canis sp. cf. lycaon) in 澳门永利. Recent helped to answer longstanding questions about the origins and genetic relationships among several species of wolves and coyotes in southeastern Canada. This 澳门永利 research revealed that Eastern Wolves are unique and genetically distinct from grey wolves, having separated from grey wolves about 67,000 years ago, and hybridized with western coyotes about 38,000 years ago. Other notable advancements included an of factors affecting mortality risks in relation to protected areas and the collection of samples to help develop a provincial database to store genetic data on Eastern Wolf and other 澳门永利 canids. This work will help improve conservation and management planning for Eastern Wolf in 澳门永利.

Dr. Joe Northrup leads Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) research within MNR, collaborating with researchers from Canada, Nunavut, Quebec, the Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board and a number of Canadian universities to study the Southern Hudson Bay and Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear subpopulations. Dr. Northrup’s research program focuses on population dynamics, harvest risk, movements and behavior of bears in this area. Dr. Northrup recently completed a outlining the results of a subpopulation-wide aerial survey for the Southern Hudson Bay polar bear subpopulation, showing that there were more bears in this subpopulation that in a similar 2016 effort. However, this increase was likely due primarily to interannual variation in movement of bears from the adjoining Western Hudson Bay subpopulation. Dr. Northrup and colleagues are continuing to monitor this interannual variation in on-land distribution of bears in relation to the location of the last ice on Hudson Bay in each year. As part of another project, Dr. Northrup and colleagues recently of tracking Polar Bears using a fur-mounted satellite tag to study Polar Bear movement and behaviour, providing an alternative to tracking collars, which can only be used on adult female bears. These fur tags, which mimic how burrs stick to animals, can be affixed to bears of any age and sex, and were successfully used to study subadult and male bear behaviours. The team of researchers that developed and tested the new tracker for this less invasive way to track a threatened species and understand their interactions with their environment, including habitat, as well as the potential of the tags to support community safety in the Arctic. Another recent examined the Polar Bear – Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida) predator-prey dynamic – information that is poorly understood in Arctic ecosystems, but is needed to understand and conserve species. Other work underway includes multi-year projects to assess the fidelity of bears to different coastal areas, survey Polar Bear populations, and study the movement of bears and their habitat selection.

Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) is the subject of a new project established in 2023 by MNR researcher Dr. Richard Feldman, who is measuring the quality and quantity of food resources (e.g., moths) available to this aerial insectivore in Carden Alvar Provincial Park and adjacent conservation areas. At the same time, Dr. Feldman and his team also outfitted Eastern Whip-poor-wills with radio tags to track their foraging activity over the seasons. This is a multi-year project, and a new PhD student has joined the team to measure breeding activity in relation to the lunar cycle, nesting success and predation risk. Recent research on Eastern Whip-poor-will home range size, in collaboration with Dr. Christina Davy (a former MNR researcher) and the University of Manitoba, has now concluded with publication underway, and results confirm that home range size and shape can vary substantially. These studies provide insight into the causes of decline of Eastern Whip-poor-will and can inform conservation efforts.

Provincial researchers continue to study species at risk bats in 澳门永利 and implement 澳门永利’s White Nose Syndrome Response Plan to address this disease which has caused mass mortality of hibernating bats. Ongoing surveillance and monitoring of bat populations continues in southwestern 澳门永利. Longer-term monitoring work along the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Erie shoreline is investigating bat habitat use and trends across seasons, supporting habitat mapping and the development of estimates of bat numbers and activity. Collaborative investigations of the impacts of climate change on nutritional stress in Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) are wrapping up, with results that show a geographically widespread decline in body size driven by increased warmth and rainfall at crucial times throughout the active season. Wildlife research scientists have also initiated a partnership with the University of Toronto to begin to learn more about Eastern Red Bats, a bat species recently assessed as endangered both federally and provincially.

Work continues on priorities for other species at risk in 澳门永利, such as Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) and Boreal Caribou (Rangifer tarandus). This ongoing research can lead to improved understanding of these species and helps to inform conservation decisions. Additional information and updates on MNR research projects and programs can be found at @ONresources on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Bald Eagle recovery in 澳门永利

In 澳门永利, Bald Eagles nest throughout the north, with the highest density in the northwest near Lake of the Woods. In southern 澳门永利, while Bald Eagles were relatively common historically, the population experienced a significant decline almost 50 years ago, and was already assessed as a special concern species when the ESA took effect in 2008. Historically Bald Eagles were shot as pests or trophies, and many shoreline areas where they bred were developed for housing or industry. Their largest decline came with the introduction of pesticides such as DDT that resulted in thin eggshells that broke as the adults tended to them.

After an intensive North American re-introduction program and environmental clean-up efforts, Bald Eagle has rebounded and can once again be seen in much of its former southern 澳门永利 range. The number of adult Bald Eagles and confirmed nest locations are clearly increasing, and Bald Eagle populations also appear to be stable or increasing in jurisdictions adjacent to 澳门永利.

In 2024, Bald Eagle was removed from 澳门永利’s Species at Risk in 澳门永利 List (SARO List) and is no longer considered to be at risk in the province.

Boreal Caribou conservation

Boreal Caribou is a threatened species in 澳门永利 and an essential part of forest ecosystems across northern 澳门永利. In April 2022, demonstrating commitment to the protection and recovery of Boreal Caribou, 澳门永利 and Canada signed the five-year Agreement for the Conservation of Caribou, Boreal Population in 澳门永利.

The agreement establishes collaborative commitments, including habitat planning, protection and restoration activities from both the federal and provincial governments to help protect and recover Boreal Caribou. 澳门永利 and Canada have committed to investing $34M each to support implementation of the agreement. 

Implementation of all thirteen conservation measures in the agreement is underway using a collaborative approach that continues to consider the knowledge, expertise and capacity of governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, industry, academia and other stakeholders. Here are some highlights. More details can be found in the annual public report.

  • Through the Boreal Caribou Monitoring Program, information about boreal caribou and its habitat is being updated. Monitoring activities have occurred in the Churchill, Brightsand, Kesagami, Kinloch, Berens, Sydney, Lake Superior Coast ranges, and further work covering all ranges is planned. A report on some of the 2022-23 efforts is available here 澳门永利 Boreal Caribou Monitoring Program and additional reporting is planned.
  • Through the Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program, 19 projects have been funded including projects focused on restoring habitat and improving understanding of methods to restore habitat, nutritional needs, habitat changes and use, and genetic diversity. More information on the projects is available here: Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program A call for applications for new projects was launched on June 12, 2024.
  • As part of the Protected Areas Initiative, caribou conservation activities are being pursued through the examination of opportunities to expand protected areas (e.g., Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and Missinaibi Provincial Park) and to enhance and increase protection of habitat in existing protected areas (e.g., the development of a management plan for Wabakimi Provincial Park). In 澳门永利, 140 provincial parks and conservation reserves collectively protect more than 11.2 million acres of caribou habitat. 澳门永利 Parks conducts caribou calving surveys and caribou aerial winter habitat assessments on a regular basis in many of our protected areas, with a particular focus on the wilderness parks and . The data collected helps to support fire and caribou habitat management decisions and research projects investigating forest succession and caribou habitat.
  • A Boreal Caribou Knowledge Plan has been drafted based on extensive engagement in 2023 with academia, governments, stakeholders and Indigenous communities to identify and address key knowledge gaps to advancing caribou conservation. Implementation is underway. As an example, 澳门永利’s wildlife scientists contributed to a recently published Boreal Caribou which examines the genomics of the Lake Superior Coastal Range Caribou, providing insight into the evolutionary history of these isolated caribou populations.
  • Work continues with Indigenous communities and stakeholders on the conservation agreement commitments related to identifying priority areas for habitat restoration, reviewing and updating best management practices, assessing the effectiveness of habitat restoration methodologies, and development of a management plan for the Lake Superior Coast Range.

Tools and resources to support Endangered Species Act authorizations

MECP has released new guidelines that support the assessment of Black Ash in accordance with regulations under the ESA that were made in January 2024. The Black Ash Assessment Guidelines provide information about how a health assessment of Black Ash should be conducted for the purposes of the ESA. They include information on how to measure trees, timing of assessments, and other information for qualified professionals to consider when undertaking tree health assessments. This guidance was developed in response to stakeholder and expert input, and developed to assist proponents with determining ESA requirements, including whether ESA authorizations are required when impacting certain Black Ash trees or their habitat.

Development continues on an online portal designed to allow proponents to work in collaboration with qualified professionals to efficiently submit information to the ministry and receive notifications on the progress of their application. The portal is currently being piloted with proponents and qualified professionals to receive direct feedback from users and ensure that their needs are being communicated and met. The first application for an overall benefit permit under clause 17(2)(c) of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 has been successfully submitted through the portal, and work is continuing towards making the portal publicly available.

Coordinating species at risk protection and recovery efforts through the Species Conservation Action Agency

The Species Conservation Action Agency (SCAA) is a provincial agency responsible for administering and managing the Species at Risk Conservation Fund. The agency's mandate is to protect and recover select species at risk and their habitats through investments from the Fund. Since April 2022, businesses, municipalities and individuals have had the option to pay a species conservation charge into the Species at Risk Conservation Fund rather than completing certain on-the-ground actions as a condition of their permit, agreement or conditional exemption under the ESA.

The SCAA's 2024–27 Business Plan has now been published, providing the strategic direction and budget for the agency for this period. Key priorities for the agency are to develop and implement species-specific funding plans for Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and Butternut in 2024-25.