The term "species of conservation concern" includes species that are rare,
disjunct, or at risk throughout their range or in Manitoba and in need of further
research. The term also encompasses species that are listed under the Manitoba Endangered
Species Act (MBESA),
or that have a special designation by the Committee On the Status of Endangered Wildlife
In Canada (COSEWIC).
Conservation Data Centre Ranks (Global and Provincial)
Species are evaluated and ranked by the Conservation Data Centre on the basis of their
range-wide (global - G) status, and their province-wide (subnational - S) status according
to a standardized procedure used by all Conservation Data Centres and Natural Heritage
Programs. These ranks are used to determine protection and data collection priorities, and
are revised as new information becomes available.
For each level of distribution—global and provincial—species are assigned a
numeric rank ranging from 1 (very rare) to 5 (demonstrably secure). This reflects the
species’ relative endangerment and is based primarily on the number of occurrences of
that species globally or within the province. However, other information, such as date of
collection, degree of habitat threat, geographic distribution patterns and population size
and trends, is considered when assigning a rank. The number of occurrences listed below
are suggestions, not absolute criteria.
For example, the Green Frog (Rana clamitans) is ranked G5, S2. That is,
globally the species is abundant and secure, while in Manitoba it is rare and may be
vulnerable to extirpation.
Rank
Definition
1
Very rare throughout its range or in the province (5 or fewer occurrences, or very few
remaining individuals). May be especially vulnerable to extirpation.
2
Rare throughout its range or in the province (6 to 20 occurrences). May be
vulnerable to extirpation.
3
Uncommon throughout its range or in the province (21 to 100 occurrences).
4
Widespread, abundant, and apparently secure throughout its range or in the province,
with many occurrences, but the element is of long-term concern
(> 100 occurrences).
5
Demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure throughout its range or in the province,
and essentially irradicable under present conditions.
U
Possibly in peril, but status uncertain; more information needed.
H
Historically known; may be rediscovered.
X
Believed to be extinct; historical records only, continue search.
SNR
A species not ranked. A rank has not yet assigned or the species has not been evaluated.
SNA
A conservation status rank is not applicable to the element.
Other Heritage Codes
Code
Definition
G#G#
S#S#
Numeric range rank: A range between two of the numeric ranks. Denotes range of
uncertainty about the exact rarity of the species.
Subrank
Code
Definition
T
Rank for subspecific taxon (subspecies, variety, or population); appended to the
global rank for the full species, e.g. G4T3.
Qualifiers
Code
Definition
B
Breeding status of a migratory species. Example: S1B,SZN - breeding occurrences for
the species are ranked S1 (critically imperilled) in the province, nonbreeding occurrences
are not ranked in the province.
N
Non-breeding status of a migratory species. Example: S1B,SZN - breeding occurrences
for the species are ranked S1 (critically imperilled) in the province, nonbreeding
occurrences are not ranked in the province.
Q
Taxonomic questions or problems involved, more information needed; appended to the
global rank.
T
Rank for subspecific taxon (subspecies, variety, or population); appended to the
global rank for the full species.
#
A modifier to SX or SH; the species has been reintroduced but the population is not
yet established.
?
Inexact or uncertain; for numeric ranks, denotes inexactness.
Although the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre maintains high standards of data quality
control, it makes no warranty as to the fitness of the information for any purpose, or
that the information is necessarily accurate or complete.
The Data User is advised that the Biotics Database maintained by the Data Centre
is continually growing as new information is acquired and records are added or
updated. Please contact the CDC directly for the most up-to-date information.
Manitoba Conservation Data Centre
Box 24, 200 Saulteaux Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3W3
Tel: (204) 945-7743
Fax: (204) 945-3077
Government Links: