Species at Risk: 34 Name Updates

Summary#

The Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act (Miscellaneous Program) updates the official list of species protected under the Species at Risk Act to reflect current scientific and common names. The changes affect 34 terrestrial species and the order came into force when it was registered on February 3, 2022 (published in the Canada Gazette on February 16, 2022).

What it does#

• Updates names (scientific and/or common) of 34 species on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act to match recommendations from COSEWIC (the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada).
• Types of name changes include:
  • adding or clarifying subspecies notation,
  • correcting scientific Latin names,
  • changing English or French common names.
• The order is final and took effect on the registration date: February 3, 2022.
• The government estimates one-time administrative costs of $50,000 to $160,000 for updating related documents.

Who's affected#

• COSEWIC and federal wildlife officials who prepare assessments and recovery documents.
• The Department of the Environment (responsible for updating publications and recovery planning documents).
• Conservation groups, researchers, Indigenous organizations, and land managers who use official species lists and names in reports, permits or recovery plans.
• The order is not expected to affect businesses; analysis under the small business lens found no impact.

Why it matters#

• Official names matter for clarity in law, recovery plans, scientific reports, and conservation actions. Matching Schedule 1 to current taxonomy helps avoid confusion about which populations are protected.
• The changes are administrative (they do not change the legal protection status of species).
• There will be small one-time costs to update materials and communications. These are estimated at $50,000–$160,000 and are paid by the government.