Of all the species and ecological communities unique to the region, many have undergone significant declines on the South Coast. As the human population grows in the region, the need to raise awareness about key species becomes more important. Not all species and ecological communities at risk on the South Coast are profiled here. The profiles provided represent priorities for regional conservation. Information is evolving and will be added continuously as knowledge grows.

Listing and Ranking Information:

Each species listing has the most current common and scientific name according to the BC Conservation Data Centre. As well, information about the species provincial and federal status (where it exists) is provided. Some species are not listed federally but may be covered under other legislation such as "Identified Wildlife under BC's Forest and Range Practices Act. The most common codes and their meanings are as follows:

Red: Includes any indigenous species or subspecies that have- or are candidates for- Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened status in British Columbia. Extirpated taxa no longer exist in the wild in British Columbia, but do occur elsewhere. Endangered taxa are facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened taxa are likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Not all Red-listed taxa will necessarily become formally designated. Placing taxa on these lists flags them as being at risk and requiring investigation.

Blue: Includes any indigenous species or subspecies considered to be of Special Concern (formerly Vulnerable) in British Columbia. Taxa of Special Concern have characteristics that make them particularly sensitive or vulnerable to human activities or natural events. Blue-listed taxa are at risk, but are not Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened.

Yellow: Includes species that are apparently secure and not at risk of extinction. Yellow-listed species may have Red- or Blue-listed subspecies.

COSEWIC Ranks (these are the same as Species at Risk Act (SARA) listings) have the following meanings:

E = ENDANGERED: A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction.

T = THREATENED: A species that is likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.

SC = SPECIAL CONCERN: A species of special concern because of characteristics that make it is particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

NAR = NOT AT RISK: A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.

DD = DATA DEFICIENT: A species for which there is insufficient scientific information to support status designation.