Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act: Terrestrial Species 2012: The List of Species Eligible for an Amendment to Schedule 1

• Status of the recently assessed species and consultation paths
• Providing comments
• Table 1: Terrestrial species recently assessed by COSEWIC eligible for addition to Schedule 1 or reclassification
• Table 2: Terrestrial species recently reassessed by COSEWIC (no consultation – species status confirmation)

In October 2012, COSEWIC submitted 19 assessments of species at risk to the Minister of the Environment for species that are newly eligible to be added to Schedule 1 of SARA. Ten of these are terrestrial species. COSEWIC also reviewed the classification of species already on Schedule 1, in some cases changing their status. Five terrestrial species are now being considered for down-listing on SARA (to a lower risk status) and 4 terrestrial species are now being considered for up-listing on SARA (to a higher risk status). One species, Hooded Warbler, is being considered for removal from the List, as in its latest assessment it was found not to be at risk. In all, there are 20 terrestrial species that are eligible to be added to Schedule 1 or to have their current status on Schedule 1 changed (Table 1).

COSEWIC submitted one additional assessment where a species’ assessed status changed but where a regulatory change would not take place. In 2006, COSEWIC submitted a Special Concern assessment for Ghost Antler Lichen. The Governor in Council referred this assessment back to COSEWIC for reconsideration; therefore, it was not added to the List at that time. In 2012, COSEWIC presented an assessment of not at risk. This species is not included in the consultation.

COSEWIC also submitted the reviews of species already on Schedule 1, confirming their classification. Nineteen of these reviews were for terrestrial species. These species are not included in the consultations because there is no regulatory change being proposed (Table 2).

For more information on the consultations for aquatic species, visit the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.

The involvement of Canadians is integral to the process, as it is to the ultimate protection of Canadian wildlife. Your comments matter and are given serious consideration. Environment Canada reviews all comments it receives by the deadlines provided below.

Comments for terrestrial species undergoing normal consultations must be received by March 4, 2013.

Comments for terrestrial species undergoing extended consultations must be received by October 4, 2013.

Most species will be undergoing normal consultations. For the final consultations paths, please visit the SARA Public Registry after January 3, 2013.

For more details on submitting comments see "Public comments solicited on the proposed amendment of Schedule 1."