The abundance and distribution of a variety of forest species have declined from historical norms. The full extent of this decline is unknown as no biological survey exists for New Brunswick.  For example, fisher, pine marten, barred owl, black-backed woodpecker, three-toed woodpecker, white pine, red pine, red spruce, and eastern hemlock are among those species that now occupy only a small portion of their former range in New Brunswick’s forests. Some species are known to have been eliminated altogether.  These include the woodland caribou, timber wolf, wolverine, and host of plants. A growing number of forest-dependent species are also designated as endangered or threatened under New Brunswick’s Endangered Species Act. These include the Harlequin duck, Canada lynx, Furbish’s lousewort and a variety of other forest plants.   Some 44 plants have been identified as being at risk of disappearing from   New Brunswick, but they have no legal protection under the Endangered Species.   The White Adder’s-Tongue (Malaxis brachypoda) is a good example of such a plant.   This is a tiny white orchid-like flower that sprouts from rotting logs in cedar forests.   There are perhaps only seven stands of cedar where these plants can still be found.   To find out more about species at risk in Canada (www.cosewic.gc.ca).

Biodiversity   /    Forest Types   /   Species Diversity    /   Species at Risk