The rare, endemic, Salix jejuna. Cape Norman. Photo: John E. Maunder. [CLICK
image to enlarge.]



Biologically, the "limestone barrens" of Newfoundland and Labrador are a "hotspot" of vascular plant diversity.


Almost 300 of the approximately 1300 vascular plants found on the Island of Newfoundland, and in adjacent Labrador, are considered to be RARE.

Over 100 of these are found on the "limestone barrens" of the Great Northern Peninsula of the Island of Newfoundland, and on the outlying "limestone barrens" to the south (on Table Mountain, west of Stephenville, and on the western portion of the Port au Port Peninsula). A few more are found on the numerous, scattered, outcrops and patches of limestone and dolomite found primarily within the western portions of the Island of Newfoundland, on Belle Isle, and on the Labrador Straits region of southern Labrador (and adjacent Québec).

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) uses various terms to describe the condition of endangered flora and fauna in Canada. These terms include:

• Extinct (X) - A wildlife species that no longer exists.
• Extirpated (XT) - A wildlife species no longer existing in the wild in Canada, but occurring elsewhere.
• Endangered (E) - A wildlife species facing imminent extirpation or extinction.
• Threatened (T) - A wildlife species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.
• Special Concern (SC) - A wildlife species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.