The Northwest Territories (NWT) Conference of Management Authorities (CMA), established under the Species at Risk (NWT) Act, has completed the Progress Report on the Conservation and Recovery of Hairy Braya (Braya pilosa) in the Northwest Territories.
The progress report was publicly released on November 17, 2021, in accordance with the Species at Risk (NWT) Act and following CMA approval of the document. The progress report highlights the actions taken to implement the recovery strategy and progress made towards meeting objectives.
In 2014, Hairy Braya was listed as Threatened in the NWT. The Recovery Strategy for Hairy Braya (Braya pilosa) in the Northwest Territories was completed by the CMA in February 2016. The progress report documents actions taken from 2017 to 2021 towards the conservation and recovery of Hairy Braya.
Hairy Braya is a small perennial plant found on the northwestern part of the Cape Bathurst peninsula and on the nearby Baillie Islands. The Northwest Territories is the only place in the world where Hairy Braya occurs. The main threats to Hairy Braya are rapid erosion of coastal habitat, mortality along the coast from sea spray, and potential for storm surges to flood low-lying habitat. These threats are linked to climate change and reduced sea ice in the Beaufort Sea.
Progress has been made towards recovery strategy objectives including securing the future existence of Hairy Braya, monitoring range and habitat, and minimizing harmful effects of human activities on Hairy Braya and its habitat. However, more work is required to survey the distribution and abundance of Hairy Braya, fill information gaps, and ensure some Hairy Braya seeds and/or plants are secured in a safe location for the future.
Success in the conservation, management, and recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of the many different groups that are involved in implementing the recommendations set out in the recovery strategy. All NWT residents are invited to join in supporting and implementing conservation actions identified in the recovery strategy for the benefit of species in the NWT.
Additional information on Hairy Braya, as well as supporting documentation, is available at: www.nwtspeciesatrisk.ca/CMA/SarList
Contact: Conference of Management Authorities c/o NWT Species at Risk Secretariat (email: Michele_Grabke@gov.nt.ca)
Photo: Paul Sokoloff, Canadian Museum of Nature