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Humpback Whale - North Pacific Population

 

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First assessed by COSEWIC in 1985, the North Pacific population of Humpback whales

(Megaptera novaeangliae) were assessed as Threatened due to the impacts of commercial

whaling. These whales suffered durastic declines in the early 1900’s. Whaling of these

humpback whales was ceased in 1967. Despite continued threats of getting caught in fishing

gear and disruptive underwater noise, the North Pacific Humpback whale population has been showing signs of steady increase. They have since been re-assessed as Special Concern [4].

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Swift Fox

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The Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) has been considered a pest by farmers for many years. These foxes  have been harvested and poisoned, which has decimated the Canadian population.  The last Wild Sighting of these foxes occurred in 1938 in Alberta, so they were thought extirpated from Canada since the 1930’s. The re-introduction of this animal began in 1983, and these foxes were reassessed as Endangered in 2000. Though these species are still at risk from disease transmission and habitat loss, the number of foxes in Alberta and Saskatchewan have doubled since 2000, giving them a reduced likelihood of being extirpated again [5].​

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American Marten - Newfoundland Population

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The American Marten in Newfoundland (Martes americana atrata) ​was first assessed in 1979 as Not Threatened. It was re-assessed in 1986 as Threatened and again in 1996 as Endangered. Due to extensive habitat destruction, as well as accidental snaring, some populations of Marten have been extirpated from Newfoundland. The Marten were assessed again in 2007 as Threatened. Reduced habitat destruction (Especially with the closure of AbitibiBowater) as well as action taken by hunters to avoid snaring this species. There are currently 5 separate populations of these animals on the island of Newfoundland that we know of. As well, efforts in habitat suitability modeling are underway to determine what would be the best area to protect for these Marten. In 1999, a captive breeding program for these animals was established in at Salmonier Nature Park in Newfoundland. The result? Four juvenile Marten were released into Terra Nova National Park. After this success, the program changed to take on a greater role in public education and awareness. Marten populations are currently thought to be gradually increasing [3]. ​

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​Long's Braya

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​Long's Braya (Braya longii) is ​​only found in one place in the world - the limestone barrens of the Great Northern Peninsula on the Island of Newfoundland. These plants are thought to be declining, and are listed as Endangered under SARA. Despite this, there is some good news! Recently, a new protected area was designated in the town of Sandy Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. Since one of the main threats to Long's Braya is human activity (be it quarrying or simply driving off-road vehicles on Braya habitat), this protected area should do this species a world of good [21].​​​

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