Minister Outlines Actions to Protect Endangered Species

Two endangered species in the province will benefit from recovery plans released today by the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. A migratory bird called the Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa), along with the Crowded Wormseed Mustard (Erysimum inconspicuum var. coarctatum), a flowering plant, are both listed as endangered under the province�s Endangered Species Act.

�As both of these species are listed under the Endangered Species Act, they require recovery plans,� said Minister Johnson. �It is important that we assess all of our species at risk and make the necessary recommendations regarding their protection and recovery. The plans released today outline a series of actions identified as necessary for these specific species.�

The Red Knot is a medium-sized migratory shorebird that breeds in the Canadian Arctic and winters in South America. Red Knots stop in Newfoundland and Labrador during fall migration, making use of shorelines, sand flats and salt marshes as feeding and resting areas. The recovery plan for this species includes such actions as an assessment of the population during its stopover in the province; identification of threats; determination of the appropriate levels of protection; and the need to increase awareness to encourage public responsibility towards the recovery of this species.

The Crowded Wormseed Mustard is a yellow-flowered biennial or short-lived perennial herb. Within Newfoundland and Labrador, it is known to exist in only one location on the West Coast of the island. The plant inhabits the edge of an unstable coastal cliff subject to grazing pressure from livestock in the adjacent meadow. Its population is very small and is estimated at 100 mature plants. Recovery actions highlighted for this species include a population inventory and monitoring; population and habitat management; off-site conservation measures, which may include seed banking and housing a collection of live specimens; possible introduction of new populations in appropriate habitat; research and informing local land users of the need for conservation; and soliciting participation in the recovery of the species.

�I would also like to thank the recovery teams for their outstanding work,� said Minister Johnson. �I encourage individuals to review the recovery plans and examine the actions that have been outlined for these particular species.�

The recovery plans can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/wildlife_at_risk.htm

For more information on endangered species, please call 709-637-2026.

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Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2009 11 26                                                    11:35 a.m.