
In June, when Ontario’s eastern wolves were renamed Algonquin wolves, their at-risk status deteriorated, changing from Special Concern to Threatened. As a Threatened species, they were automatically and immediately protected across Ontario. 3 months later, most of that protection was removed.
In Ontario, a Recovery Strategy will be due for the Algonquin wolf 2 years from their listing date, on June 15th 2018. The government has 9 months to develop a Response Statement that will outline actions that will be taken to protect and recover the species. We will continue to ask for increased protection based on scientific research about the effects of the 3 new closure areas on the population, and robust monitoring to determine exactly how many wolves are killed each year by hunters and trappers now exempt from the Endangered Species Act protection provisions. At the federal level, consultation is still underway to list them as a Threatened species across Canada.
Tell the government to list the wolves as Threatened across Canada. Please use the form to submit your comments in support of this listing. Comments are due by Oct. 4, 2016.
Under Canada’s Species At Risk Act (SARA), Threatened species require a Recovery Strategy that includes plans for all provinces where the species is found. Algonquin wolves, or eastern wolves as they are known across Canada, live only in Ontario and Quebec. However, the Quebec government does not have an active scientific committee assessing the status of species at risk and does not formally recognize the eastern wolf or have special regulations to protect it. Federal listing of the wolves as Threatened will help kickstart this protection.
For more information about Algonquin (Eastern) wolves, visit our website.
Photo: Steve Dunsford, Algonquin wolf, Impressions of Algonquin