Multiple species in Grasslands National Park: critical habitat description

The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides) is a medium-sized songbird protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as threatened. In Canada, the Loggerhead Shrike (excubitorides subspecies) breeds in the grasslands and aspen parklands of southeastern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba.

The Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo) Prairie population is a medium-sized butterfly of arid regions that is listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as threatened. In Canada, the Mormon Metalmark Prairie Population is restricted to southwestern Saskatchewan.

The Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) is a medium-sized shorebird protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as endangered. In Canada, this species is at the northern periphery of its range and is restricted to extreme southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. Its habitat is open, flat, dry grasslands with sparse, low vegetation and considerable bare ground.

The Swift Fox (Vulpes velox), North America’s smallest canid, is listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as threatened. The Canadian populations occur in the southernmost portion of the Prairies near the Alberta–Saskatchewan border, and in and around Grasslands National Park of Canada in south-central Saskatchewan.

The Multi-species Action Plan for Grasslands National Park of Canada identifies critical habitat for these species in Grasslands National Park of Canada.

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to subsection 58(2) of the Species at Risk Act, that 90 days after the date of publication of this notice, subsection 58(1) of the Act will apply to the critical habitat of the Loggerhead Shrike (excubitorides subspecies), the Mormon Metalmark (Prairie population), the Mountain Plover, and the Swift Fox, as identified in the Multi-species Action Plan for Grasslands National Park of Canada, which is included in the Species at Risk Public Registry, and that is located within Grasslands National Park of Canada, the boundaries of which are described in Schedule 1 of the Canada National Parks Act.

Kevin Moore
Field Unit Superintendent
Saskatchewan South Field Unit