9 species protected under province's Endangered Species Act

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has announced nine species under the Endangered Species Act that have been designated as either endangered, threatened or vulnerable.

Two bird species and six plantspecies have been added to the list, following assessments by the provincial Species Status Advisory Committee.

As well, one species of lichen has been added, based on an assessment by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

"By listing these species, we are acting to ensure the protection of rare species in the province and to conserve biodiversity for the benefit of current and future generations," Dan Crummell, minister of environment and conservation, said in a statementWednesday.

Listed as endangered aregmelin'swatercrowfoot, griscom'sarnica and wooly arnica.

In the threatened category, the following species have been identified as being likely to become endangered, if nothing is done to reverse the factors limiting their survival: the Newfoundland gray-cheekedthrush, sharpleafaster and tradescant's Aster.

Vulnerable species are those considered to be to be particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. On the list announced Wednesday are blue felt lichen, bobolink and water pygmyweed.

The total number of species, subspecies and populations listed under the province's Endangered Species Act is 52.