CPAWS Nova Scotia to present visual reminder to Minister Morse on mainland moose

Posted on November 15, 2006

Halifax, NS - Today the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS Nova Scotia) will present the Honourable David Morse, Minister of Natural Resources, with a gift to remind him and his department that a recovery plan for the province's endangered mainland moose is two years overdue. CPAWS Nova Scotia asks that the recovery plan for the mainland moose, which is required for all "endangered" and "threatened" species in the province, adequately address the need to conserve habitat for moose. Representatives of the organization will present the Minister with his gift this afternoon at Province House.

"Sadly the mainland moose, one of Nova Scotia's most emblematic and ecologically important animals, is on the brink of extinction," said Karen McKendry, Chair of CPAWS Nova Scotia's Terrestrial Committee. The mainland moose is genetically and geographically distinct from the moose on Cape Breton, and currently numbers fewer than 1000 individuals. The species was added to the provincial endangered species list in late 2003, but the province has yet to release a recovery plan to address its fate.

In addition to the reminder, CPAWS Nova Scotia will also ask the Minister for a firm release date for the plan. "Without a plan, moose numbers may still be in decline, and with no comprehensive strategy to help them recover, this generation may be the last to see mainland moose in the wild, " added McKendry.

Facts about mainland moose:

- A population estimate done by the Department of Natural Resources in 2003 found that fewer than 1000 moose remain in mainland Nova Scotia. This and other factors classify them as provincially endangered.

- The moose on the mainland portion of Nova Scotia are our native moose, which have likely been here for up to 10,000 years. Moose became extirpated on Cape Breton in the 1940's, after which a small population of Alberta moose were introduced on the island.

- According to the provincial Endangered Species Act, once a species has been listed as provincially endangered, the Minister of Natural Resources has one year to elect a Recovery Plan team, and come up with a plan. The plan for mainland moose was due over two years ago.

- A number of threats face mainland moose, including habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, and poaching. Addressing habitat issues in the recovery plan is especially important, as evidenced by ecological research. A Recovery Plan that does not address habitat issues will be inadequate.

- Moose need a diversity of habitats to survive. They need areas where they can browse on new vegetation, wetlands where they can eat nutrient-rich aquatic plants, and areas of dense forest cover where they can seek shelter from extreme temperatures.

- The future of moose in mainland Nova Scotia affects all Nova Scotians. Moose are a symbol of wilderness, and can be an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems. Moose are also an animal of importance to our province's First Nations.

- Over 20 conservation, wildlife, and tourism groups composed a detailed letter outlining the major threats to mainland moose, especially those related to habitat. This letter was sent to the Recovery Plan team in February 2006. View the letter at: http://www.cpawsns.org/moose/moose_letter1.html.

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Contact:

Karen McKendry - Chair, Terrestrial Committee, CPAWS Nova Scotia - 902-446-4155 or karenmckendry@wildmail.com

Alexander MacDonald - Chapter Coordinator, CPAWS Nova Scotia - 902-446-4155 or coordinator@cpawsns.org