Research Document - 2010/093
Information in support of a Recovery Potential Assessment of Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) in Ontario
By L.D. Bouvier and N.E. Mandrak
Abstract
In April 1994, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) as Threatened. This status was re-assessed in November 2000 and again in November 2009. The reason given for this designation was that “there is continuing decline in the already small and fragmented populations; four (of 11) have probably been extirpated. The extent of occurrence of this species in Ontario is approximately half of what it was in the 1970s as a result of habitat loss and degradation from increasing urban and agricultural development, stream channelization and competition with invasive alien species.” Eastern Sand Darter was subsequently 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 of the biology, ecology, distribution, population trends, habitat requirements, and threats of Eastern Sand Darter. 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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