Research Document - 2010/079

Information in support of a Recovery Potential Assessment of Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) in Canada

By L.D. Bouvier and N.E. Mandrak

Abstract

In April 1983, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) recommended that Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) be designated as a species of Special Concern. This status was re-assessed and confirmed in 1994. Spotted Gar status was re-assessed as Threatened in November 2000, which was confirmed in May 2005. The reason given for this designation was that Spotted Gar “…has a very limited range in Canada where it is only known from three coastal wetlands in Lake Erie. Although its distribution is likely limited by temperature, some of the shallow vegetated habitats that it requires for all life stages are subject to the impacts of siltation, dredging, filling, and aquatic vegetation removal and harbour improvements”. Subsequent to the COSEWIC designation, Spotted Gar was listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) when the Act was proclaimed in June 2003. The Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) provides information and scientific advice needed to fulfill various requirements of SARA including permitting activities that would otherwise violate SARA prohibitions and the development of recovery strategies. This Research Document describes the current state of knowledge on the biology, ecology, distribution, population trends, habitat requirements, and threats of Spotted Gar. Mitigation measures and alternative activities related to the identified threats, that can be used to protect the species, are also presented. The information contained in the RPA and this document may be used to inform the development of recovery documents and for assessing SARA Section 73 permits.

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