Research Document - 2012/076

Information in support of a Recovery Potential Assessment of Northern Madtom (Noturus stigmosus) in Canada

By B.R. McCulloch and N. E. Mandrak

Abstract

In April 1993, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) placed Northern Madtom (Noturus stigmosus) in the Data Deficient category. The species was re-examined in April 1998 and designated as Special Concern. In November 2002, Northern Madtom was uplisted to Endangered based on the existing 1998 status report with an addendum. The reason given for this designation was that, “This species has a very restricted Canadian range (two extant locations), which is impacted by deterioration in water quality and potential negative interactions with an exotic species. One population (Sydenham River) has been lost since 1975”. Subsequent to the COSEWIC designation, Northern Madtom was listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) when the Act was proclaimed in June 2003. The Canadian distribution of Northern Madtom is restricted to Ontario, where it is known only from the Detroit River, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, and two tributaries of Lake St. Clair, the Thames River and the Sydenham River. It is likely extirpated from the Sydenham River. The Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) provides information and scientific advice needed to fulfill various requirements of SARA including permitting activities that would otherwise violate SARA prohibitions and the development of recovery strategies. This Research Document describes the current state of knowledge of the biology, ecology, distribution, population trends, habitat requirements, and threats of Northern Madtom. Mitigation measures and alternative activities related to the identified threats, that can be used to protect the species, are also presented. This information may be used to inform the development of recovery documents and for assessing SARA Section 73 permits.

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