Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary – November 2007

Common name : Ferruginous Hawk

Scientific name : Buteo regalis

Status : Threatened

Reason for designation : This large hawk is found primarily on natural grasslands in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and is a specialist predator on Richardson’s ground squirrels. It suffered a 64% decline in population from 1992 to 2005; since Alberta comprises the majority of the Canadian range, this implies a decline of at least 30% across the Prairies over that time period. The loss, degradation and fragmentation of its native grassland habitat are the most serious threats to the population.

Occurrence : Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba

Status history : Designated Threatened in April 1980. Status re–examined and designated Special Concern in April 1995. Status re–examined and designated Threatened in April 2008. Last assessment based on an update status report.