Environment and Conservation
February 11, 2010
Extension Granted for
Recovery Plans for Two Threatened Species
In accordance with the provisions of the
Endangered Species Act, the Minister of Environment and
Conservation, the Honourable Charlene Johnson, has
granted a one-year extension for the preparation of the
recovery plans for the common nighthawk and the chimney
swift. Both species were listed as threatened in
February 2008.
“The appointments to the recovery teams have been
delayed because we want to ensure we have the leading
experts engaged, and this is often a challenge given
their expertise is widely sought,” said Minister
Johnson. “We are currently in the process of
re-organizing the structure of several recovery teams to
utilize a multi-species team approach where appropriate.
This will result in a more effective planning process.”
The common nighthawk is a medium-sized bird that feeds
on insects and is most active at dawn and dusk. It is
found across Canada where it breeds in open habitats,
including sand dunes, forest clearings, rock barrens and
agricultural areas. Within the province, the only
recorded breeding area is in southern Labrador, and it
is considered an uncommon visitor to the Island of
Newfoundland. In Canada, this rare bird is undergoing a
significant long-term population decline of 4.8 per cent
annually.
The chimney swift is a dark-colored bird that nests in
large hollow trees and older chimneys. On the island
portion of the province, sightings have occurred on the
southeast and southwest coasts. There has been one
single report of a sighting in Labrador. Populations of
the chimney swift across Canada have declined 8.3 per
cent per year since 1968 because of dwindling numbers of
breeding and roosting sites.
The Minister Johnson also said that neither species will
be put at further risk because of the delay. Additional
time is required to properly complete the plans, as well
as carry out appropriate consultation and review.
For more information on the Endangered Species Act or
the protection and recovery of endangered species,
please visit
www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/default.htm or 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
2010 02 11
10:05 a.m.
