Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1
Assessment Summary
Assessment Summary – November 2007
Common name : Harbour seal - Atlantic and Eastern Arctic subspecies
Scientific name : Phoca vitulina concolor
Status : Not at Risk
Reason for designation : The total population has not been estimated, and analyses have not been undertaken to determine whether there is significant subpopulation structure. Overall the subspecies is common and believed to be adaptable to change. It is often found in marine areas used by people and is susceptible to shooting. No serious immediate threats have been identified over any substantial part of its range.
Occurrence : Nunavut, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Status history : Species considered in April 1999 and placed in the Data Deficient category. Re-examined in November 2007 and designated Not at Risk. Last assessment based on an update status report.
Assessment Summary – November 2007
Common name : Harbour seal - Lacs des Loups Marins subspecies
Scientific name : Phoca vitulina mellonae
Status : Endangered
Reason for designation : This land-locked subspecies is endemic to Quebec and may number as few as 100 individuals. It inhabits a small series of lakes in northern Quebec and is the only subspecies to live entirely in fresh water. The population has declined due to hunting and may still be declining. Proposed hydro-electric development would cause pervasive changes to the habitat.
Occurrence : Quebec
Status history : Designated Special Concern in April 1996. Status re-examined and designated Endangered in November 2007. Last assessment based on an update status report.
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