2008 Approved Projects

Adaptive habitat model for the Cape Breton American marten (Martes Americana) augmentation project -
Rebecca Jeppesen
Approved: $6,000.00

American Marten on Cape Breton Island were thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in 1984 and are now listed as endangered. This project will develop habitat models for marten to be used to inform future reintroduction efforts and to determine how to best align forest management practices with recovery efforts for marten.

Final Report

Atlantic Whitefish Recovery Project -
Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation
Approved: $5,000.00

Atlantic whitefish is an endangered species that in the world only breeds in the Petit Riviere river system, Nova Scotia. This project will provide data and other information in support of the recovery of Atlantic Whitefish, help engage the community in recovery efforts and develop stewardship for public distribution.

Census of Globally Rare, Endemic Butterflies of Nova Scotia Gulf of St. Lawrence Coast Salt Marshes -
Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre
Approved: $9,000.00

In the past few years very rare butterflies have been discovered along the Northumberland Strait of Nova Scotia. This project will provide scientific estimates of the distribution, population size and threats to three of these species of butterflies. This information will serve as a basis for determining conservation requirements for these species and their habitats.


Characterization of critical habitat for moose on mainland Nova Scotia -
Saint Mary’s University
Approved: $10,000.00

Moose on mainland Nova Scotia are endangered. This project will provide detailed quantitative population statistics, geographical distribution information and physical environment analysis which are considered by the recovery team to be most limiting population growth of moose.

Detecting and defining structure in the Nova Scotia population of eastern ribbonsnake -
Acadia University
Approved: $6,000.00

Little is known about the secretive, Eastern Ribbon Snake, a threatened species in Nova Scotia. This project will assist with the determination of the genetic structure of the population and will aid in conservation planning for this species.


Lakeshore species at risk surveys on high potential lakes in Lunenburg and Queens Counties
Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre
Approved: $8,000.00

Atlantic Coastal Plain plant species at risk include some of the rarest species in Canada and although they have been studied and the focus of conservation efforts for sometime there is still much to learn about these plants and their habitats. This project will survey rare Atlantic Coastal Plain plants in areas that have not been surveyed or that are under surveyed. This information on abundance habitat and threats will improve conservation planning for these conservation priority species.

Nova Scotia Landowners’ Beach Stewardship Guide
Bird Studies Canada
Approved: $7,000.00

Piping Plover is an endangered species that is found in Nova Scotia in beach areas that are popular for recreational activities. This project will contribute to the education of private landowners, property managers and developers of beaches in Nova Scotia and promote best practices for habitat protection for Piping Plover.

Plants on the Edge - Securement and Stewardship of Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora - Nova Scotia Nature Trust
Approved: $6,000.00

Atlantic coastal plain plant species at risk include a number of endangered and threatened species that are a national conservation priority. This project will assist the Nature Trust with the securement of high priority habitat for these species.

Potentially endangered saproxylic beetles of Nova Scotia - Christopher G. Majka
Approved: $8,000.00

Saproxylic beetles are beetles living in wood and are important aspects of forest biodiversity. Little is known about the conservation status of these or other beetles in Nova Scotia. This project will assess what we know about the status of some of these species and determine which species need conservation attention.

Roost use and social behaviour of northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) - Dalhousie University
Approved: $5,000.00

Although not considered species at risk in Nova Scotia there is considerable conservation concern for bats and little is known about them in the province. This project will study the roosting ecology, social behaviour and population structure of northern long-eared bats and inform conservation planning for this species.

Stewardship and conservation of a declining songbird at risk, the Bicknell’s Thrush - Bird Studies Canada
Approved: $6,000.00

Nova Scotia is one of the few places in the world that Bicknell’s Thrush is found. Currently it is listed in the province as a vulnerable species. However, there is serious concern that this species has been in decline over the past few years. This project will provide new information on Bicknell’s Thrush trends and status that can be used to inform an updated status report on this species.


Win This Race: A Project to Secure Critical Habitat for Blanding’s Turtle and Eastern Ribbonsnake - Nova Scotia Nature Trust - Approved: $6,000.00

Blanding’s Turtle and Eastern Ribbonsnake are both listed under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act. This project will assist the Nature Trust with the securement of high priority habitat for these species.

Total Projects approved: 12
Total Amount approved: $82,000.00