Wild Species 2020: The General Status of Species in Canada

Summary

Canada is home to about 80 000 species (excluding viruses and bacteria). With the inclusion of 50 534 species, an increase of over 20 000 species from the previous report, the Wild Species 2020 report represents the most complete understanding we have ever had on the status and distribution of wild species in Canada. This report makes a key contribution to supporting the protection of biodiversity in Canada – it does more than meet regulatory requirements; it makes the data on species accessible to the Canadian public and partners working to protect species. It reflects the collaboration of hundreds of Canadian scientists over five years in partnership with federal, provincial and territorial governments through the National General Status Working Group. The number of species covered by the report has grown largely due to this cooperation.

Results of our assessments at the national level indicate that 873 species are critically imperiled, 1 245 are imperiled, 2 765 are vulnerable, 9 562 are apparently secure, and 10 038 are secure. Among those species, 20% (one in five) have some level of risk in Canada. In addition, 40 species are presumed extirpated and 95 are possibly extirpated, meaning they have likely disappeared from Canada. Finally, 20 448 species are unrankable and 1 549 are unranked due to lack of sufficient data, and 3 919 are accidental or were introduced into Canada, so ranks are considered not applicable.

This report flags those species that may be high priorities for conservation actions. We identified 2 253 species that may be at risk in Canada (consisting of species ranked as presumed extirpated, possibly extirpated, critically imperiled, and imperiled at the national level). Of these, 137 species have 75% or more of their range in Canada, including 105 species that are thought to be endemic to Canada (i.e., they do not occur anywhere else in the world). Canada has a particular responsibility to conserve these species.

Among all the species included in the report, 47 314 are native to Canada and 3 220 are exotic, which means that they have been introduced as a result of human activities. These exotic species can cause problems for species that are naturally occurring in Canada.

This report updates the conservation status of taxonomic groups that were included in the Wild Species 2015 report, providing a measure of change. The national rank of 8 107 species changed between these reports, mainly due to new information on the species (71% of changes). In total, 1 199 species were assigned an increased level of extinction risk, and 1 186 species were assigned a reduced level of extinction risk. Of 4 214 species that changed from or to the categories unrankable, unranked, or not applicable, there was a net gain of 2 132 species assigned to other categories. In addition, among species groups included in the 2015 report, 1 186 species were added to the list and 322 deleted (the remaining new species were species groups not previously included).

The large number of species currently unrankable or unranked highlights the need for increased effort to understand their conservation status (Figure 1). Furthermore, there are at least 30 000 species for which we do not have lists of where they occur in Canada. If not documented, species might disappear without us noticing. In future reports, efforts will be made to expand coverage to additional species groups to address these gaps in our knowledge of Canada’s biodiversity.

All the results of the program on the General Status of Species in Canada are available on the Wild Species website. A newly developed species search tool facilitates searching through all species included in all Wild Species reports and comparing changes over time.

Figure 1. Summary of the conservation status of the 50 534 species included in the Wild Species 2020 report.

Highlights

• This report is one of the most comprehensive national level inventories of species for any country in the world
• This report makes a key contribution to supporting the protection of biodiversity in Canada – it does more than meet regulatory requirements; it makes the data on species accessible to the Canadian public and partners working to protect species
• The number of species included in the Wild Species reports has steadily increased:

• The Wild Species 2020 report is the fifth of the series. For the first time, this report includes more than half of all known species in Canada. The largest group of species added to the report is the macrofungi. A photo of a mushroom was selected for the cover page of the report to recognize the crucial role of fungi in ecosystems, as well as to recognize the efforts of all mycological clubs in Canada in supporting assessment of this group
• The 50 534 species included in the report represent about 63% of the known species in Canada in the animal kingdom, about 75% in the plant kingdom, about 77% in the fungi kingdom, none in the chromist kingdom, and about 29% in the protozoa kingdom
• The total number of species found in each province, territory, and ocean region varies considerably. Among the taxonomic groups included, the regions that had the most species were Ontario (25 776 species), British Columbia (24 540 species) and Quebec (21 933 species)
• The number of species that may be at risk detected in the Wild Species reports has continuously increased since the first report, as more groups are included. We identified 2 253 species that may be at risk in Canada. Of these, 137 species have 75% or more of their range in Canada, including 105 species that are thought to be endemic to Canada (i.e., they do not occur anywhere else in the world). Furthermore, 618 of the species that may be at risk have an intermediate part of their range (11% to 74%) in Canada, and 1 498 have only a small part of their range (10% or less) in Canada
• Among the 135 species that are presumed or possibly extirpated, seven were thought to be endemic to Canada, and thus are probably extinct globally
• A priority score was assigned to each of the species that may be at risk, based on the level of risk and the percentage of their world range in Canada. In total, 322 species have a high priority score. Of these, 78 have already been assessed in detail by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). The remaining species could be prioritized as potential candidates for future detailed assessments
• The Wild Species reports represent one of the most comprehensive sources of information on which exotic species are present in Canada. Exotic species are those that have been introduced accidentally or deliberately by human activities. They can cause problems for species that are naturally occurring in Canada. Among the 3 220 exotic species identified, the taxonomic groups with the highest number of exotic species were the vascular plants, beetles, true bugs, and moths and butterflies. Further analysis could be undertaken on the impact these exotic species have on our ecosystems
• In total, 17 781 species occurred in only one region in Canada. Species with smaller geographic distributions may be more restricted to specific habitats. When considering all species, on average, each species occurs in 3.7 regions in Canada
• The majority of migratory species are birds and fishes. However, we also identified some species of cephalopods, dragonflies and damselflies, moths and butterflies, reptiles, and mammals that are migratory. Of the 574 migratory species identified, 24% have some level of conservation concern. Conservation of these species in Canada depends on collaboration with international partners
• This report presents standardized common names, in English and French, for more than 21 000 species, many of which are newly developed for this report. Common names represent an important communication tool for engaging with the public on the diversity of species in Canada and on the need to conserve them
• A focus of future Wild Species reports will be continuing to fill information gaps. For the 2025 report, the program is currently supporting efforts to build species lists, by jurisdiction, for several additional species groups, of which the largest is the flies (Diptera) believed to have more than 8 000 species

Section 1 – Context

Canada is a large country and home to an estimated 80 000 species. The first step in preventing the loss of species is to identify those that exist in Canada, where they occur and their status. The Wild Species series of reports aims to achieve this goal.

For each species included in these reports, their distribution among jurisdictions is documented, and their conservation status is assessed using a standardized methodology that is now based on the NatureServe approach (see Appendix 1 for details).

Why a report on wild species in Canada

In 1996, the wildlife ministers in Canada signed the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk, making the commitment to “monitor, assess and report regularly on the status of all wild species”. This ambitious goal is the mandate of the program on the General Status of Species in Canada. The National General Status Working Group (NGSWG) was formed to achieve this mandate. The working group includes representatives from all provincial and territorial governments in Canada, and from the federal government. Appendix 2 lists the contact information of all members of the working group for this 2020 report.

A few years later, the federal government confirmed the commitment made under the Accord by including in the Species at Risk Act section 128 that stipulates that “five years after this section comes into force and at the end of each subsequent period of five years, the Minister must prepare a general report on the status of wildlife species”.

Reports from the Wild Species series serve as the basis to fulfill both requirements. These reports inform Canadians about the status of species in the country, and provide information that can help prevent species in Canada from becoming extirpated as a consequence of human activity.

To prevent species in Canada from becoming extinct, intervention at early stages is fundamental. The National Framework for Species at Risk Conservation, which details how the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk will be implemented, identifies two main steps in the species assessment process:

1. first, jurisdictions collectively review the general status of their wildlife species, using the best available information and inventory data, to determine whether any species under their jurisdiction may be at risk
2. next, those species that may be at risk are further examined, using a science-based approach, to more fully understand the nature and severity of the risk. The end result may be a classification as: extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened, special concern, data deficient, or not at risk

The program on the General Status of Species in Canada conducts the first step. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) undertakes the second step. COSEWIC is a committee of experts that conducts detailed assessments of species that are suspected of being at risk of extinction or extirpation. The species identified as “may be at risk” by the National General Status Working Group through this report could be potential candidates for more detailed assessments by COSEWIC.

How many species occur in Canada

The various types of habitats found in Canada, including for example deciduous forests, boreal forests, tundra, and the ocean regions, support many different species. Our most recent estimate indicates that there are about 80 000 described species in Canada, excluding viruses and bacteria. These species are divided among five different kingdoms: the protozoa kingdom (about 1% of the known species in Canada); the chromist kingdom (about 4% of the known species in Canada); the fungi kingdom (about 16% of the known species in Canada); the plant kingdom (about 11% of the known species in Canada); and the animal kingdom (about 68% of the known species in Canada).

The animal kingdom contains the majority of known species. Interestingly, insects are the most diverse group, accounting for nearly 70% of the known animal species in Canada. Just four major taxonomic groups, the order Coleoptera (beetles), the order Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and relatives), the order Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), and the order Diptera (flies), represent most of the insects in Canada.

This report includes 50 534 species (Figure 2). This represents about 29% of the known species in Canada in the protozoa kingdom, none in the chromist kingdom, about 77% in the fungi kingdom, about 75% in the plant kingdom, and about 63% in the animal kingdom. Even though the number of animal species included is the highest, the fungi have the highest proportion of species included.

There are potentially many more unknown species in Canada. These unknown species could be species that are new to science or are already known, but have not yet been documented as occurring in Canada. As more of these unrecorded species are found, the estimated number of species is likely to continue to increase. However, it is difficult to estimate the number of species that remain to be discovered. There are also many potential subdivisions below the species level. For example, subspecies, populations, or stocks are divisions below the species level (which may be considered designatable units by COSEWIC). While these divisions have merit, there tends to be more disagreement over the precise limits and biological significance of differences observed at this finer scale. Moreover, relatively few species have been examined closely enough to distinguish whether or not subspecies or discrete stocks exist. These subdivisions are then often part of a more detailed assessment. Since the mandate of the program on the General Status of Species in Canada is to provide an overview of the status of species, and since such a large number of species are included, the assessments for the Wild Species reports are undertaken only at the species level. The most familiar measure of diversity is the number of species, and these reports focus on that perspective of biodiversity.

Figure 2. Total number of species included in this report (50 534) out of the total known species in Canada (about 80 000 species, excluding viruses and bacteria) separated by taxonomic groups

Previous Wild Species reports

The first report of the series was Wild Species 2000. In that report, 1 670 species were included. One of the greatest strengths of that report was to bring together, for the first time in Canada, the knowledge we had on most vertebrates of the country.

The second report of the series was Wild Species 2005. In that report, 7 732 species were included. One of the greatest achievements of that report was to assess, for the first time, the general status of all vascular plants in Canada. The addition of vascular plants, which accounted for more than 5 000 species, was responsible for most of the increase in the number of included species.

The third report of the series was Wild Species 2010. In that report, 11 950 species were included. One of the greatest strengths of that report was to assess, for the first time, the conservation status of several groups of insects. To reflect this, a photo of a lady beetle was selected as the main feature of the report’s cover page.

The fourth report of the series was Wild Species 2015. By assessing 29 848 species, one of its greatest achievements was to start to cover a significant portion of Canada’s diversity of species. For example, new groups of marine species were included and several large groups of insects were added. There was a particular focus on pollinators, and a sweat bee was selected for the main photo of the cover page.

The Wild Species 2020 report is the fifth of the series. For the first time, this report includes more than half of all known species in Canada, with a total number of 50 534 species included. The largest group of species added to the report is the macrofungi. A photo of a mushroom was selected for the cover page of the report to recognize the crucial role of fungi in ecosystems, as well as to recognize the efforts of all mycological clubs in Canada in supporting assessment of this group.

Section 2 – Overall results

This report represents a significant achievement in that it summarizes the general status assessments of a large number and variety of wild species occurring in Canada. The assessments provide information on both the conservation status of species, as well as the level of knowledge that currently exists on each species.

Species richness

In total, 50 534 species have been included in this report (Figure 3). The total number of species found in each province, territory, and ocean region varies considerably. Among the taxonomic groups included, the regions that had the most species were Ontario (25 776 species), British Columbia (24 540 species) and Quebec (21 933 species).

We also divided the number of species in each region by the area of the region, to calculate an index of species richness per unit area (Table 1). Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick are the most species-rich regions according to their area.

Figure 3. General status of all species included in the Wild Species 2020 report.

Proportion of secure species

The proportion of species in each rank category has changed over time (Figure 4), partly due to changes in which species groups are included. We present two calculations of the percentage of species that are apparently secure or secure in Canada. The first calculation indicates that, if all the species included in the report are taken into account, 39% of species are apparently secure or secure. The percentage is low due to the high proportion of unrankable or unranked species. The second calculation indicates that, if we consider only the numerical ranks (from critically imperiled to secure – N1 to N5), then 80% of the species are apparently secure or secure. The percentage for the Wild Species 2020 report is the same as in the Wild Species 2015 report (Table 2). Differences with earlier reports are mainly due to the increase in the number of taxonomic groups included in each report. For example, several lesser-known taxonomic groups were added over the years. For lesser-known taxonomic groups, we are often able to identify the species that are widespread and secure first, and there is often not enough information to assign the more at risk conservation status ranks for other species, so they are included as unrankable or unranked.

Figure 4. Proportion of each rank category at the national level in the reports of the Wild Species series.

The most imperiled species

One of the main goals of this report is to flag species that are the most at risk. We identified 2 253 species that may be at risk in Canada (consisting of species ranked as presumed extirpated, possibly extirpated, critically imperiled, and imperiled at the national level). The taxonomic groups that have the most of these species are the vascular plants, followed by lichens, macrofungi, bryophytes, beetles, and moths and butterflies. Since 2000, the number of species that may be at risk identified in the Wild Species reports has continuously increased (Figure 5), largely due to the increased number of species included.

Of the 2 253 species, 137 species have 75% or more of their range in Canada, including 105 species that are thought to be endemic to Canada (i.e., they do not occur anywhere else in the world). Furthermore, 618 of the species that may be at risk have an intermediate part of their range (11% to 74%) in Canada, and 1 498 have only a small part of their range (10% or less) in Canada. Vascular plants, moths and butterflies, and beetles are the taxonomic groups that have the most endemic species ranked as presumed extirpated, possibly extirpated, critically imperiled, and imperiled at the national level in Canada. The list of all the scientific names of these species, and common names where they exist, can be found in the databases of the reports.

Figure 5. Number of species that may be at risk detected in the Wild Species reports, in relation to the total number of species included in the reports

Helping COSEWIC to identify priority species

A priority score was assigned to each of the species that may be at risk, based on the level of risk and the percentage of their world range in Canada. These priority scores, determined by the National General Status Working Group, can help COSEWIC to identify which species could be assessed in detail. Of the 2 253 species ranked as presumed extirpated, possibly extirpated, critically imperiled, and imperiled at the national level in Canada, 322 species have the highest priority scores (between 1 and 5). COSEWIC has assessed 78 species with these highest priority scores (Table 3). Most of the other species that have been assessed by COSEWIC that are not included in this table are subspecies or designatable units that the Wild Species reports do not evaluate, or species that are more secure or data deficient.

COSEWIC has 10 subcommittees that focus on specific groups of species: mosses and lichens, vascular plants, molluscs, arthropods, freshwater fishes, marine fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, terrestrial mammals, and marine mammals. Seven subcommittees (molluscs, freshwater fishes, marine fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, terrestrial mammals, and marine mammals) are assigned to 9% of the species that may be at risk, and three subcommittees (mosses and lichens, vascular plants, and arthropods) are assigned to 80% of the species that may be at risk. It is important to note that for 11% of the species that may be at risk, no subcommittees exist (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Proportion of species ranked by the National General Status Working Group as presumed extirpated, possibly extirpated, critically imperiled, and imperiled at the national level in Canada by each subcommittee of COSEWIC

Extirpated species

We identified 135 species that are presumed extirpated or possibly extirpated in Canada (Table 4). Of these, 10 species had 75% or more of their range in Canada, including seven species that were thought to be endemic to Canada (were not occurring anywhere else in the world), and thus are probably extinct globally. Furthermore, 21 of the species had an intermediate part of their range (11% to 74%) in Canada, and 104 had only a small part of their range (10% or less) in Canada. Vascular plants and beetles are the taxonomic groups that have the greatest number of extirpated species.

Exotic species

This report highlights the large number of non-native species in Canada. Exotic species (also called alien species) are those that have been moved beyond their natural range as a result of human activity. Exotic species have been introduced to Canada, both deliberately and accidentally, from around the world. In addition, exotic species can also include native species that have been moved from regions of the country in which they naturally occur, to regions in which they were not naturally found (to another province or territory for example). Whether from abroad, or from a different part of Canada, exotic species may cause a variety of problems for native species, including competition for space and resources, predation, hybridization and introduction of new diseases.

Of the 50 534 species included, 3 220 species in total were exotic at the national level in Canada. The taxonomic groups with the highest number of exotic species were the vascular plants (1 372 species), beetles (673 species), true bugs (443 species), and moths and butterflies (208 species). The taxonomic groups with the highest proportion of exotic species were the earthworms (67%), ticks (31%), vascular plants (26%), and myriapods (24%). When considering all the taxonomic groups of the Wild Species 2015 report reassessed in the 2020 report, 161 exotic species were added to the list and 23 deleted. Since 2000, the number of exotic species detected in the Wild Species reports has continuously increased (Figure 7). The list of all the scientific names of these exotic species, and common names where they exist, can be found in the databases of the reports.

All governments in Canada are collaborating on An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada, which is a national strategy on exotic species. Invasive exotic species are those that are spreading extensively and that are very harmful to native species. This national strategy plays an important role in preventing new invasions, detecting and responding to new invasive alien species and in managing established invasive alien species through eradication, containment and control. The list of species ranked as exotic by the National General Status Working Group in the Wild Species reports could be used in this strategy to support further analysis on the impact of these exotic species on our ecosystems. The Wild Species reports represent one of the most comprehensive sources of information on which exotic species are present in Canada.

Figure 7. Number of exotic species detected in the Wild Species reports, in relation to the total number of species included in the reports

Number of regions

For each species included in this report, we determined the number of regions (provinces, territories, and ocean regions) in which they occur. The average number of regions per species within each taxonomic group gives an idea of the relative geographic spread of species in that group. The taxonomic groups that had species with the broadest distributions in Canada were the birds, bryophytes, earthworms, and dragonflies and damselflies. Groups of marine species occurred in the lowest number of regions in Canada (Table 5). Species with smaller geographic distributions may be more restricted to specific habitats.

On average, each species occurred in 3.7 regions in Canada. In total, 17 781 species occurred in only one region in Canada (Figure 8). However, only five species occurred in all the 18 regions of Canada: Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus), Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea), Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), and Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea).

Figure 8. Number of regions where each species occurred in Canada

Migratory species

The conservation of migratory species is complex because the threats they face are more diverse and do not originate only from within Canada. For example, when Canadian birds migrate south to overwinter in other countries, they can face different threats both during migration and at the location where they overwinter. The ranks can thus identify the need to work with international partners to maintain these species in Canada.

In this report, 574 migratory species were assessed (Table 6). The majority are birds (71%) and fishes (19%). Results of our assessments at the national level for migratory species indicated that three species are presumed extirpated, none are possibly extirpated, 25 are critically imperiled, 27 are imperiled, 72 are vulnerable, 91 are apparently secure, 306 are secure, 46 are unrankable, four are unranked, and none are not applicable (accidental species are not considered migratory). When only considering species from critically imperiled to secure, 76% are apparently secure or secure.

Trends of species

One of the important achievements of this report is to update the status assessments of taxonomic groups that were included in previous Wild Species reports. Among the taxonomic groups that were reassessed in this report, the national rank of 8 107 species has changed. In total, 1 199 species were assigned an increased level of extinction risk, and 1 186 species were assigned a reduced level of extinction risk. Of 4 214 species that changed from or to the categories unrankable, unranked, or not applicable, 455 species changed from other ranks to these three categories, 2 587 changed from these three categories to other ranks, and 1 172 changed within these three categories (there was a net gain of 2 132 species assigned to other ranks). In addition, among the taxonomic groups that were reassessed, 1 186 species were added to the list and 322 deleted (Table 7).

In this report, a total of 92 changes were due to a genuine change in the conservation status of the species, 5 776 changes were due to new information not reflecting genuine change, 52 changes were due to a new interpretation of the same information, 349 changes were due to incorrect data used previously, 288 changes were due to a taxonomic level change only, and 1 550 changes were due to a revision in the criteria used to assess species. Most of the changes (71%) were due to new information (Table 8).

We calculated a species change index, to determine whether the overall status of species has been improving or deteriorating over time (including all reasons for changes). The index is calculated by dividing the number of species that had a reduced level of risk by the number of species that had an increased level of risk. If the result is one, it means that on average, the status of species has been stable. If the value is higher than one, it means that on average, the status of more species has been improving, while if the value is lower than one, it means that on average, the status of more species has been deteriorating. The trend of the species change index is decreasing slightly in Canada (Figure 9). As we are increasing the number of species included in the Wild Species reports, and more changes are detected, the measure becomes more precise. When considering all the changes from all the reports, the value of the species change index is 1.00.

Figure 9. Species change index in Canada. A value of one indicates that the overall status of species is stable; a value higher than one indicates that the overall status of species is improving; and a value lower than one indicates that the overall status of species is deteriorating. The dotted line represents the trend. There were no changes in 2000 since it was the first report

Knowledge gaps about species

The knowledge on species in Canada varies amongst taxonomic groups. We generally have more information on vertebrates, which include birds, mammals, and fishes for example, and we generally have less information on invertebrates, which include insects, spiders, corals, and others. These lesser-known taxonomic groups are important to the program on the General Status of Species in Canada, since they represent the majority of species occurring in the country.

In this report, 50 534 species were included, of which 21 997 species were unrankable or unranked at the national level due to a lack of knowledge. Most taxonomic groups have more than half of their species for which the conservation status could not be determined due to lack of knowledge (Table 9).

Moreover, some taxonomic groups also currently have a level of knowledge which is too low to be included in the Wild Species reports. For example, there are many groups of invertebrates for which we do not yet have a comprehensive list of species in Canada, which is the essential first step in assessing the conservation status. Without knowing which species exist in Canada and where they occur, it is difficult to predict the impact of humans and anthropogenic changes on ecosystems and species. As the National General Status Working Group includes more species groups which are not well-known or not well-studied in Canada, the total proportion of species that are unrankable or unranked will likely rise. It is our aim that the Wild Species reports encourage more information to be collected on these species, so that their conservation status can be properly assessed in the future.

Common names

Common names represent an important communication tool for engaging with the public on the diversity of species in Canada and on the need to conserve them. For many taxonomic groups where no common name previously existed, the Wild Species reports have developed and standardized English and French common names. Common names are now available for almost half of the species included in the Wild Species 2020 report (Table 10). More common names will be developed and presented in future Wild Species reports.

Beyond the Wild Species 2020 report

Reports of the Wild Species series are the main product of an ongoing national program, and research is already underway for the 2025 report. In the future, the Wild Species series will continue to consolidate our knowledge of species in Canada. Future Wild Species reports aim to continue to increase the number and variety of species included for conservation status assessments. It is also important to ensure that all species included in this report continue to be reassessed, to track changes in their conservation status. Determining the conservation status of species and reporting on changes, both at the individual species level and through summary statistics, are key steps in preventing extinction and further biodiversity loss.

Section 3 – Specific results for each taxonomic group

Taxonomic groups included

The 50 534 species included in this report are divided among 46 different taxonomic groups: slime moulds, macrofungi, lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, sponges, corals, bivalves, terrestrial and freshwater snails and slugs, cephalopods, leeches, earthworms, myriapods, decapods, horseshoe crabs, water mites, ticks, harvestmen, solifuges, pseudoscorpions, spiders, springtails, mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, stoneflies, grasshoppers and relatives, true bugs, lacewings, beetles, sawflies, ants, bees, yellowjackets and relatives, caddisflies, moths and butterflies, scorpionflies, fleas, selected flies, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some of these taxonomic groups are assessed for the first time, while others are reassessments (Table 11).

Table 11. Summary of the taxonomic groups included in the reports of the Wild Species series

Protozoa kingdom

Slime moulds

Slime moulds refer to the class Myxomycetes. Slime moulds have existed for over 600 million years, yet they confound us still. They are neither plant, nor animal, nor fungus. Slime moulds are amoeba-like cells that roam through humid, terrestrial habitats like moist soil or decaying vegetation. They recycle nutrients by eating bacteria and other microbes, and are in turn eaten by nematodes and insects. If they find themselves in water, some will develop flagella and swim, while in dry conditions they can enter a hard, dormant state for up to several years. When food is scarce, tens of thousands of individual cells congregate into a plasmodial phase that is colourful, gelatinous, and visible to the naked eye. They can then coordinate their movement, detect food sources from airborne chemicals, and even reach speeds of 1 cm/h. When food runs out, they produce fruiting bodies and their spores disperse to start the cycle anew. Their abilities are quite remarkable, and they have impressed researchers by solving mazes, selecting foods with optimal nutrient ratios, and traveling between food sources in ways that mimic sophisticated transportation networks. Though still technically a unicellular organism (with many nuclei), slime moulds are able to behave in ways comparable to animals with muscles, brains and nerves. Research continues into these not-so-humble organisms, with some science suggesting that slime moulds exemplify “learning” that predates the development of a nervous system.

There are 290 known species of slime moulds in Canada (Figure 10). Results of our assessments at the national level indicated that no species are presumed extirpated, none are possibly extirpated, two are critically imperiled, six are imperiled, 34 are vulnerable, 26 are apparently secure, seven are secure, 215 are unrankable, none are unranked, and none are not applicable. When only considering species from critically imperiled to secure, 44% are apparently secure or secure.

We identified eight species of slime moulds that may be at risk in Canada. Of these, one species has an intermediate part of its range (11% to 74%) in Canada, and seven have only a small part of their range (10% or less) in Canada. In total, one species has a high priority score (between 1 and 5).

Among the known species of slime moulds, all are native to Canada. On average, each species of slime moulds occurs in 3.0 regions in Canada. No species of slime moulds are considered migratory.

Fungi kingdom

Macrofungi

Macrofungi do not refer to a specific taxonomic division. They represent fungal species that have a large fruiting body easily visible to the naked eye. In general, fungi are more closely related to animals than they are to plants. They cannot photosynthesize, so must obtain food by either associating with plants or parasitizing other organisms. The bulk of a fungus consists of threadlike hyphae (or mycelia, when many join together) that grow in soil or organic material. Complimentary mycelia fuse and produce a fruiting body, e.g. a mushroom. These make spores, which can disperse to germinate and form new mycelia. Available data is based on the observations of the fruiting bodies since the underground parts are not visible. The ecological and social importance of fungi cannot be overstated. Mycorrhizal associations, in which fungi provide water and nutrients to plants and receive sugars in return, benefit most plants in Canada (and the world), including the majority of economically important species. Most large mushrooms seen on the forest floor are involved in mycorrhizal associations. Our environment also depends on fungal decomposition of organic matter, which releases nutrients. The Amanitas include some of the most toxic known mushrooms found worldwide. However, edible wild mushrooms are a multi-million dollar industry in Canada. Fungal research in Canada has focused on pathogens, mycorrhizae and decomposing fungi. Currently, genetic tools are being used to clarify their taxonomy and distribution. The largest threat to macrofungi is habitat destruction.

There are 6 951 known species of macrofungi in Canada (Figure 11). Results of our assessments at the national level indicated that no species are presumed extirpated, one is possibly extirpated, 76 are critically imperiled, 151 are imperiled, 310 are vulnerable, 1 424 are apparently secure, 457 are secure, 4 300 are unrankable, 217 are unranked, and 15 are not applicable. When only considering species from critically imperiled to secure, 78% are apparently secure or secure.

We identified 228 species of macrofungi that may be at risk in Canada. Of these, six species have 75% or more of their range in Canada, including two species that are thought to be endemic to Canada: Aleurodiscus dendroideus and Vararia athabascensis. Furthermore, 55 of the species have an intermediate part of their range (11% to 74%) in Canada, and 167 have only a small part of their range (10% or less) in Canada. In total, 19 species have a high priority score (between 1 and 5).

Among the known species of macrofungi, 6 937 are native to Canada and 14 are exotic. On average, each species of macrofungi occurs in 2.7 regions in Canada. No species of macrofungi are considered migratory.

Three groups of macrofungi (the genus Amanita, the family Nidulariaceae, and the family Phallaceae) were included in the Wild Species 2015 report (87 species). Since then, the national rank of 101 species has changed. In total, two species were assigned an increased level of extinction risk, seven species a reduced level of extinction risk, and 35 species changed from or to the categories unrankable, unranked, or not applicable. In addition, 49 species were added to the list and eight deleted. Most of the changes (97%) are due to new information.

Lichens

Lichens do not refer to a specific taxonomic division. They are fungi that have established a relationship with an alga or cyanobacterium, wherein the fungus provides a physical structure and its partner provides carbohydrates obtained through photosynthesis. The fungus appears to contain all the genetic information it needs to create the characteristic form of the lichen, but requires the alga or cyanobacterium to “turn on” the lichenization genes. They grow on rocks, trees and soil, and do not appear to damage or even extract much moisture or nutrition from their substrate. Lichens can form a crust (crustose), can be leafy (foliose), branched (fruticose), scale-like (squamulose) or other. They usually reproduce asexually by producing specialized tissue fragments that disperse and grow into genetically identical copies of the parent. Lacking roots, transport vessels, or a cuticle to retain water, lichens absorb everything from the environment, including moisture, nutrients and toxins. In dry conditions, photosynthesis stops and respiration slows significantly. Dry lichen can quickly absorb from 3 to 35 times its weight in water, from dew, fog, or humid air. Lichens are slow-growing and are particularly sensitive to air pollution, making them valuable environmental indicators. Their sensitivity to pollutants has received considerable study, but many parts of Canada still lack collection and distribution data. Threats include habitat loss and alteration, and air pollution.

There are 2 677 known species of lichens in Canada (Figure 12). Results of our assessments at the national level indicated that no species are presumed extirpated, six are possibly extirpated, 127 are critically imperiled, 97 are imperiled, 104 are vulnerable, 404 are apparently secure, 685 are secure, 1 136 are unrankable, 116 are unranked, and two are not applicable. When only considering species from critically imperiled to secure, 77% are apparently secure or secure.

We identified 230 species of lichens that may be at risk in Canada. Of these, 15 species have 75% or more of their range in Canada, including six species that are thought to be endemic to Canada: Aspicilia bicensis, Aspicilia uplandica, Crumpled Jelly Lichen (Collema coniophilum), Snow Shingle Lichen (Psoroma nivale), Arctic Orangebush Lichen (Seirophora aurantiaca), and Fibrous Beard Lichen (Usnea fibrillosa). Furthermore, 80 of the species have an intermediate part of their range (11% to 74%) in Canada, and 135 have only a small part of their range (10% or less) in Canada. In total, 46 species have a high priority score (between 1 and 5).

Among the known species of lichens, 2 676 are native to Canada and one is exotic. On average, each species of lichens occurs in 4.2 regions in Canada. No species of lichens are considered migratory.

Only the macrolichens were included in the Wild Species 2015 report (857 species). Since then, the national rank of 352 species has changed. In total, 57 species were assigned an increased level of extinction risk, 99 species a reduced level of extinction risk, and 112 species changed from or to the categories unrankable, unranked, or not applicable. In addition, 69 species were added to the list and 15 deleted. Most of the changes (66%) are due to new information.

Plant kingdom

Bryophytes

Bryophytes refer to the phyla Marchantiophyta (liverworts), Bryophyta (mosses) and Anthocerotophyta (hornworts). They are simple plants that typically grow low to the ground in moist environments. Lacking true roots and vessels, they absorb water and nutrients directly across their surface. This limits their size, as without woody tissue they do not have the rigidity to grow tall. When dry, growth and metabolism stop until moisture revives them. They can reproduce asexually when water is scarce, or sexually by producing spores that are usually wind dispersed. Only a small fraction of spores land in conditions suitable for growth. Some species counter this by producing many millions of spores, while a few, such as the dung mosses, attract flies to deliver spores directly to their favoured growth medium: excrement. Bryophytes are ecologically significant, particularly in boreal and western coastal forest, alpine areas, and tundra. They colonize bare rock and affect water runoff, nutrient cycling, soil formation, and ground temperature. Sphagnum mosses are harvested on an industrial scale in several parts of Canada and used as soil amendments, chemical absorbent, wrapping material for plants, and component of menstrual pads. Canadian bryophyte distribution is understood at a general but not at a detailed scale, and mosses are better studied than either hornworts or liverworts. Threats to bryophytes include habitat loss and climate change.

There are 1 406 known species of bryophytes in Canada (Figure 13). Results of our assessments at the national level indicated that one species is presumed extirpated, four are possibly extirpated, 75 are critically imperiled, 146 are imperiled, 184 are vulnerable, 296 are apparently secure, 387 are secure, 287 are unrankable, two are unranked, and 24 are not applicable. When only considering species from critically imperiled to secure, 63% are apparently secure or secure.

We identified 226 species of bryophytes that may be at risk in Canada. Of these, eight species have 75% or more of their range in Canada, including six species that are thought to be endemic to Canada: Calliergon orbicularicordatum, Crossocalyx tenuis, Neomacounia nitida, Seligeria careyana, Sphagnum venustum, and Trematodon montanus.. Furthermore, 89 of the species have an intermediate part of their range (11% to 74%) in Canada, and 129 have only a small part of their range (10% or less) in Canada. In total, 22 species have a high priority score (between 1 and 5).

Among the known species of bryophytes, 1 389 are native to Canada and 17 are exotic. On average, each species of bryophytes occurs in 5.9 regions in Canada. No species of bryophytes are considered migratory.

All the bryophytes were included in the Wild Species 2015 report (1 375 species). Since then, the national rank of 460 species has changed. In total, 118 species were assigned an increased level of extinction risk, 92 species a reduced level of extinction risk, and 167 species changed from or to the categories unrankable, unranked, or not applicable. In addition, 57 species were added to the list and 26 deleted. Most of the changes (56%) are due to new information.

Vascular plants

Vascular plants refer to the phylum Tracheophyta. Plants are critical to all life. They provide oxygen, food, and wildlife habitat. They regulate the climate, create soil, improve air and water quality, and reduce erosion. Vascular plants have roots, leaves, and vessels (i.e. a vascular system) to transport water and nutrients. They include plants with spores such as ferns, and cone-bearing plants like pine trees, but the vast majority are flowering plants (e.g. grasses, orchids, maple trees). To reproduce, they use the wind or animals to carry pollen from male to female flower parts. Many flowers have developed showy petals, nectar, and alluring scents to attract pollinators. Seeds in turn may be wind-dispersed or may be enclosed in fruit to entice animals to eat and spread them. In nutrient poor wetlands, some species have become carnivorous, and actually eat insects. The distribution and status of vascular plants is generally well known, particularly for southern Canada. Most current research focuses on species significant to agriculture, forestry, or medicine. Habitat loss, habitat degradation and invasive species are the major threats to vascular plants. Over-harvesting is a concern for some species, particularly those with high medicinal or aesthetic value.

There are 5 324 known species of vascular plants in Canada (Figure 14). Results of our assessments at the national level indicated that 20 species are presumed extirpated, 31 are possibly extirpated, 254 are critically imperiled, 293 are imperiled, 418 are vulnerable, 852 are apparently secure, 1 989 are secure, 84 are unrankable, four are unranked, and 1 379 are not applicable. When only considering species from critically imperiled to secure, 75% are apparently secure or secure.

We identified 598 species of vascular plants that may be at risk in Canada. Of these, 41 species have 75% or more of their range in Canada, including 36 species that are thought to be endemic to Canada: Quebec Rockcress (Boechera quebecensis), False Northwestern Moonwort (Botrychium pseudopinnatum), Fernald’s Braya (Braya fernaldii), Long’s Braya (Braya longii), Hairy Braya (Braya pilosa), Newfoundland Chickweed (Cerastium terrae-novae), Elkwater Hawthorn (Crataegus aquacervensis), Adams Creek Hawthorn (Crataegus rivuloadamensis), Battle Creek Hawthorn (Crataegus rivulopugnensis), Red Bracteole Hawthorn (Crataegus rubribracteolata), Macoun’s Cryptantha (Cryptantha macounii), Mackenzie Hairgrass (Deschampsia mackenzieana), Klaza Draba (Draba bruce-bennettii), Caswell’s Draba (Draba caswellii), Cayouette’s Draba (Draba cayouettei), Frankton’s Draba (Draba franktonii), Kluane Draba (Draba kluanei), Puvirnituq Mountain Draba (Draba puvirnituqii), Dense Draba (Draba pycnosperma), Yukon Draba (Draba yukonensis), Ojibway Waterwort (Elatine ojibwayensis), Burgundy Eyebright (Euphrasia vinacea), Queen Charlotte Islands Fescue (Festuca pseudovivipara), Gaspé Saxifrage (Micranthes gaspensis), Lori’s Water-lily (Nymphaea loriana), Mackenzie River Yellowcress (Rorippa crystallina), Seashore Stitchwort (Sabulina litorea), Green-scaled Willow (Salix chlorolepis), Barrens Willow (Salix jejuna), Raup’s Willow (Salix raupii), Blanket-leaved Willow (Salix silicicola), Turnor’s Willow (Salix turnorii), Gillman’s Goldenrod (Solidago gillmanii), Solidago jejunifolia, Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster (Symphyotrichum laurentianum), and Gulf of St. Lawrence Dandelion (Taraxacum laurentianum). Furthermore, 172 of the species have an intermediate part of their range (11% to 74%) in Canada, and 385 have only a small part of their range (10% or less) in Canada. In total, 99 species have a high priority score (between 1 and 5).

Among the known species of vascular plants, 3 952 are native to Canada and 1 372 are exotic. On average, each species of vascular plants occurs in 4.5 regions in Canada. No species of vascular plants are considered migratory.

All the vascular plants were included in the Wild Species 2015 report (5 211 species). Since then, the national rank of 1 003 species has changed. In total, 84 species were assigned an increased level of extinction risk, 597 species a reduced level of extinction risk, and 81 species changed from or to the categories unrankable, unranked, or not applicable. In addition, 177 species were added to the list and 64 deleted. Most of the changes (45%) are due to new information.

Animal kingdom

Sponges

Sponges refer to the phylum Porifera. Sponges are simple, multicellular animals that vary in colour, shape and size and live attached to substrate such as the ocean floor. Most are marine species which live in Canada’s three oceans, from intertidal zones to depths of 8 km. They play significant ecological roles, including filter-feeding bacteria, excreting nitrogen, and forming large colonies which provide important habitat for other animals. However, a few species of sponges also live in fresh water. They are generally inconspicuous and green-coloured due to their symbiotic relationship with algae. Knowledge of sponges is very limited, but interest in the ecology and conservation of marine species is increasing. For example, the National Centre of Expertise in Cold-Water Corals and Sponge Reefs was established in Newfoundland in 2008. Scientific surveys and collections have begun, but many knowledge gaps remain regarding their distribution, reproduction, and resilience. Sponges are vulnerable to physical disturbances, particularly from bottom trawling. A marine protected area for glass sponge reefs was established in 2017 near Haida Gwaii, in the Pacific Ocean. Other threats include climate change impacts, ocean acidification, invasive species, and contamination.

There are 270 known species of sponges in Canada (Figure 15). Results of our assessments at the national level indicated that no species are presumed extirpated, none are possibly extirpated, none are critically imperiled, none are imperiled, nine are vulnerable, none are apparently secure, 24 are secure, 234 are unrankable, three are unranked, and none are not applicable. When only considering species from critically imperiled to secure, 73% are apparently secure or secure.

We did not identify any species that may be at risk in Canada. Among the known species of sponges, all are native to Canada. On average, each species of sponges occurs in 1.3 regions in Canada. No species of sponges are considered migratory.

All the sponges were included in the Wild Species 2015 report (212 species). Since then, the national rank of 106 species has changed. In total, one species was assigned an increased level of extinction risk, no species a reduced level of extinction risk, and 31 species changed from or to the categories unrankable, unranked, or not applicable. In addition, 66 species were added to the list and eight deleted. Most of the changes (79%) are due to new information.

Corals

Corals are part of the phylum Cnidaria and refer to the class Anthozoa. Corals are sedentary, multicellular animals that live on the ocean floor and form calcium carbonate skeletons. They generally refer to a group of polyps. However, polyps can be solitary or colonial. Their tentacles capture passing food. Unlike tropical corals, cold-water species have no symbiotic algae that require sunlight. They inhabit all Canada’s oceans and range from intertidal zones to deep water. Corals can reproduce sexually or asexually, and some develop annual “growth rings” which provide insight into past oceanic conditions. Coral reefs are one of the most complex deep-ocean habitats where other animals can rest, feed, spawn, and avoid predators. They are correlated with fish abundance and diversity, and their conservation is increasingly recognized as a national and international priority. While recent research has increased our knowledge of coral distribution and biology, many areas remain un-surveyed, and information is lacking on their physiology, life-history, reproduction, and resilience. Threats to corals include mechanical damage (particularly from bottom fishing gear), siltation, ocean acidification, and climate change impacts.

There are 152 known species of corals in Canada (Figure 16). Results of our assessments at the national level indicated that no species are presumed extirpated, none are possibly extirpated, none are critically imperiled, one is imperiled, 40 are vulnerable, four are apparently secure, 11 are secure, 95 are unrankable, one is unranked, and none are not applicable. When only considering species from critically imperiled to secure, 27% are apparently secure or secure.

We identified one species of corals that may be at risk in Canada. This species has an intermediate part of its range (11% to 74%) in Canada. This species does not have a high priority score (between 1 and 5).

Among the known species of corals, all are native to Canada. On average, each species of corals occurs in 1.2 regions in Canada. No species of corals are considered migratory.

All the corals were included in the Wild Species 2015 report (190 species). Since then, the national rank of 62 species has changed. In total, one species was assigned an increased level of extinction risk, no species a reduced level of extinction risk, and three species changed from or to the categories unrankable, unranked, or not applicable. In addition, 10 species were added to the list and 48 deleted. Most of the changes (81%) are due to incorrect data used previously.