COSEWIC Assessment Status Flashcards
What is the process of determining Eligibility of Species for Status Assessment by COSEWIC?
- Taxonomic Validity
- Native Species
- Regularity of Occurrence
- Requires Habitat in Canada
- Special Cases
What does Taxonomic Validity mean for COSEWIC?
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.
In what cases would COSEWIC consider Special Cases?
- If there are clear conservation reasons for consideration.
- A species which does not meet the eligibility criteria.
What is a Designable Unit?
Species, Subspecies, variety, or geographically or genetically distinct population that may be assessed by COSEWIC, where such units are both discrete and evolutionarily significant.
What are the 4 guidelines for recognizing Designable Units?
- Established Taxonomy
- Genetic Evidence
- Range Disjunction
- Biogeographic Distinction
What is an Established Taxonomy?
Named Subspecies or varieties
What is Genetic Evidence for Designable Units?
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.).
What is Range Disjunction for Designable Units?
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.
What is Biogeographic Distinction in terms of Designable Units?
If there is a population in the boreal forest, great plains, tundra, etc., is good evidence of good underlying genetic distinction.
Define the units identified as biogeographically distinct:
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.
How many main ecological areas are used by COSEWIC?
8
How many main ecological areas are used within MB?
3
________________ should not be recognized for management units that are not based on biological criteria consistent with these guidelines
Separate status designations
What are COSEWICs 8 definitions?
- Species
- Extinct (X)
- Extripated (XT)
- Endangered (E)
- Threatened (T)
- Special Concern (SC)
- Data Deficient (DD)
- Not at Risk (NAR)
What is COSEWICs Criteria for Status Assessment of Species? (A-E)
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