COSEWIC Assessment Status Flashcards

1
Q

What is the process of determining Eligibility of Species for Status Assessment by COSEWIC?

A
  1. Taxonomic Validity
  2. Native Species
  3. Regularity of Occurrence
  4. Requires Habitat in Canada
  5. Special Cases
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2
Q

What does Taxonomic Validity mean for COSEWIC?

A

COSEWIC would normally only consider species and subspecies or varieties that have been established as valid in published taxonomic works or in peer reviewed communications from taxonomic specialists.

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3
Q

In what cases would COSEWIC consider Special Cases?

A
  1. If there are clear conservation reasons for consideration.
  2. A species which does not meet the eligibility criteria.
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4
Q

What is a Designable Unit?

A

Species, Subspecies, variety, or geographically or genetically distinct population that may be assessed by COSEWIC, where such units are both discrete and evolutionarily significant.

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5
Q

What are the 4 guidelines for recognizing Designable Units?

A
  1. Established Taxonomy
  2. Genetic Evidence
  3. Range Disjunction
  4. Biogeographic Distinction
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6
Q

What is an Established Taxonomy?

A

Named Subspecies or varieties

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7
Q

What is Genetic Evidence for Designable Units?

A

Evidence of genetic distinctiveness including, but not limited to, appropriate inherited traits (morphological, life history, behavior) and/or genetic markers (e.g. allozymes, DNA microsatellites, DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), DNA sequences, etc.).

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8
Q

What is Range Disjunction for Designable Units?

A

Disjunction between substantial portions of the species’ global geographic range such that dispersal of individuals between separated regions has been severely limited for an extended period and is not likely in the foreseeable future.

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9
Q

What is Biogeographic Distinction in terms of Designable Units?

A

If there is a population in the boreal forest, great plains, tundra, etc., is good evidence of good underlying genetic distinction.

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10
Q

Define the units identified as biogeographically distinct:

A

Occupation of differing eco-geographic regions that are relevant to the species and reflect historical or genetic distinction, as may be depicted on an appropriate ecozone or biogeographic zone map.

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11
Q

How many main ecological areas are used by COSEWIC?

A

8

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12
Q

How many main ecological areas are used within MB?

A

3

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13
Q

________________ should not be recognized for management units that are not based on biological criteria consistent with these guidelines

A

Separate status designations

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14
Q

What are COSEWICs 8 definitions?

A
  1. Species
  2. Extinct (X)
  3. Extripated (XT)
  4. Endangered (E)
  5. Threatened (T)
  6. Special Concern (SC)
  7. Data Deficient (DD)
  8. Not at Risk (NAR)
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15
Q

What is COSEWICs Criteria for Status Assessment of Species? (A-E)

A

A - Declining Total Population
B - Small Distribution and Decline or Fluctuation
C - Small Total Population Size and Decline
D - Very Small / Restricted
E - Quantitative Analysis

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16
Q

What is Generation Time?

A

Average Age of a breeding female in the population

17
Q

In a small distribution and decline or fluctuation, what is the extent of occurrence for endangered and threatened species?

A

Endangered: <5,000 km2
Threatened: <20,000km2

18
Q

In a small distribution and decline or fluctuation, what is the Area of occupancy for endangered and threatened species?

A

Endangered: <500km2
Threatened: <2,000km2

19
Q

In a Small Total Population Size and Decline (C), what is the number of mature individuals? (Endangered and Threatened)

A

Endangered: <2,500
Threatened: <10,000

20
Q

In a Very Small / Restricted population (D), what is the number of mature individuals? (Endangered & Threatened)

A

Endangered: <250
Threatened: <1,000

21
Q

In Quantitative Analysis (E), what is the probability of extinction for for endangered and threatened populations?

A

Endangered: 20% in 20 years
Threatened: 10% in 100 years

22
Q

Define a Special Concern species:

A

Species that are particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events but are not endangered or threatened species.

23
Q

How can a Special Concern species be classified?

A
  • If the species has declined to a level of abundance at which its persistence is increasingly threatened, OR
  • Species is likely to become Threatened, Or
  • Species is near qualifying for Threatened status, OR
  • Qualifies for Threatened status but there is indication for rescue effect
24
Q

Provide an example for how a species can be classified as Special Concern:

A

A species that is particularly susceptible to a catastrophic event (e.g., a seabird population near an oil tanker route)

25
Q

True or False: A species existing at low density that does not qualify for Threatened status for which there is a clear indication of rescue effect can be classified as Special Concern.

A

False.