Gros Morne National Park of Canada

Species at Risk

The most abundant mammals in Gros Morne National Park are introduced species, while the threatened and endangered animals are native to the island. This may be due to different lifestyles. Most of the introduced animals are generalists- they can live in a wide range of conditions. The native species at risk are more specialized, and we humans are profoundly changing the habitats and special conditions that they require.

Summer 2009 Update:  Endangered Piping plovers return to Shallow Bay beach

More information here.

Last of the Newfoundland Marten?

The Newfoundland subspecies of marten was once common, but now only a few hundred survive in three locations on the Island. Marten live in mature forest. Much of the Island's mature forest has been cut for lumber and pulp production. Another threat is that marten are easily caught in snares set for snowshoe hares. Because of these threats, this subspecies is now listed as endangered.

The second-largest population of Newfoundland martenon the island, live in the old-growth forest of Main River, in the northeastern part of the park. Newfoundland marten require home ranges of 15 to 30 km ² . The park alone does not contain enough of the right forest habitat to support a viable population, so Gros Morne National Park is working with landholders around its boundaries. By encouraging different forestry strategies and by maintaining connected stands of mature forest around the park, we hope that this population of Newfoundland marten can be protected.

Read more about the scientific research on the American marten in the greater Gros Morne ecosystem.

The Harlequin ... a Colourful Duck with a Cloudy Future

Once common, the eastern population of harlequins is now listed as a species of special concern.

Harlequin ducks nest along highland streams. The ducklings feed on blackfly larvae and other insects in fast-flowing streams. As the young grow, the family moves downstream. By mid-summer they reach the lower waters and eventually move out to sea. There they feed on marine invertebrates along wave-beaten shores until it is time to migrate farther south.

Attempts are being made to locate and protect important nesting locations. Logging operations and hydro-electric developments threatening highland streams have been stalled to protect these colourful ducks. Unfortunately, harlequins are still occasionally killed by hunters who mistake them for other ducks.

Species of Concern, Who Decides?

COSEWIC is the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada . Its members represent federal, provincial, and territorial agencies. The committee meets each year to assess the status of native plant and animal species across the country.