Dusky dune moth: critical habitat description

The Dusky Dune Moth (Copablepharon longipenne), the Smooth Goosefoot (Chenopodium subglabrum) and the Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis dychei) are species that are listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act.

The Dusky Dune Moth is a small inconspicuous sand dune specialist moth endemic to North America that has specialized habitat requirements. The Dusky Dune Moth is associated with sparsely vegetated active sand dunes and sand blowouts that occur in the southern regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The Smooth Goosefoot is an annual plant species in the Goosefoot family with green flowers in widely spaced clusters, erect and branching stems, and shiny black seeds. The Smooth Goosefoot is associated with semi-arid sand dune complexes in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The Western Harvest Mouse is a small, nocturnal and long-tailed brownish mouse that often nests near the base of shrubs in dry shrub-steppe habitats that contain extensive cover. In Canada, the Western Harvest Mouse has only been found in Alberta.

The Recovery Strategy for the Dusky Dune Moth (Copablepharon longipenne) in Canada, the Recovery Strategy for the Smooth Goosefoot (Chenopodium subglabrum) in Canada, and the Recovery Strategy for the Western Harvest Mouse dychei subspecies (Reithrodontomys megalotis dychei) in Canada, identify critical habitat for the species in a number of areas, including a federally protected area.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to subsection 58(2) of the Species at Risk Act, subsection 58(1) of that Act applies, 90 days after this publication, to the critical habitat of the Dusky Dune Moth, the Smooth Goosefoot and the Western Harvest Mouse, dychei subspecies, as identified in the recovery strategies for these species -- that are included in the Species at Risk Public Registry -- within the Canadian Forces Base Suffield National Wildlife Area, the boundaries of which are described in Schedule I of the Wildlife Area Regulations made pursuant to the Canada Wildlife Act.

Interested parties are invited to contact Environment and Climate Change Canada to request clarifications regarding the location, biophysical attributes and protection of these species’ critical habitat. Note, however, that some details may be withheld to protect the species and their critical habitat.

February 10, 2016

SARAH WREN
Acting Director
Species at Risk Management
Canadian Wildlife Service

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