In Québec, the management of most wildlife falls under provincial jurisdiction, with the exception of migratory birds and marine organisms, which are a federal responsibility. Before legislation specifically targeting threatened or vulnerable species was actually passed, all endangered vertebrates enjoyed certain protection measures under Québec’s Environment Quality Act, the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife, and Fishery Regulations.

Protected Areas in Québec

In 1996, the Québec government adopted a Strategy for the Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity within its borders. In this strategy, coordinated by the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs, the major aims pertaining to protected areas are:

• to preserve species and their genetic variability; as well as
• maintaining the natural processes and ecosystems that sustain life in its various expressions.

With the strategy, Québec emphasizes that protected areas are a key element in maintaining the diversity of species, ecosystems and wild genetic resources as well as for attaining the objectives of sustainable development.

In December 2002, the Government of Québec passed the Natural Heritage Conservation Act in order to contribute to the objective of safeguarding the character, diversity and integrity of Québec's natural heritage. The definition of protected area set out in the Act is:

However, in Québec, any territory that meets one of these definitions is considered a protected area.
All activities carried out within their perimeter or a portion there of must leave the basic biological characteristics of protected areas intact.

To learn more about protected areas in Québec see The Network of Protected Areas in Québec

Threatened or Vulnerable Species

In Québec, 76 wildlife species or populations, or 10% of our vertebrate fauna, are considered to constitute cause for concern. Most are birds or mammals. However, amphibians and reptiles are the categories which are hardest hit, with more than half of their species appearing on the list of species likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable. Of the 76 species or populations at risk:

• specific studies or surveys have been conducted on 34;
• status reports have been drafted for 19;
• specific action plans have been drawn up for 14 (in some cases in conjunction with the federal government, neighbouring provinces or non-governmental partners);
• specific habitat protection measures have been enacted for 13;
• 10 are in the process of being designated;
• the copper red-horse has legally been designated a threatened species.

Specific information campaigns have been conducted for a dozen species, including the St. Lawrence beluga, Gaspé caribou, wolverine, spiny softshell, wood turtle and copper red-horse, in addition to extensive media coverage of the issue of threatened and vulnerable species as a whole.

All plant species, apart from the sea plants referred to in the federal Fisheries Act, fall under provincial jurisdiction. Unlike wildlife species, no threatened or vulnerable plants currently come under federal jurisdiction. The Act respecting ecological reserves and the Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species are unique in protecting plant life Québec.

Special habitat or population protection measures have been implemented for 55 species, including the green dragon, American water willow and crag holly fern. Wild leek is designated  "vulnerable" and American ginseng may soon be designated "threatened". Marketing of specimens gathered in the wild is prohibited for both these species.

Key Players in the Protection of Threatened or Endangered Species

Regional county municipalities (RCMs) play a critical role in protecting threatened species. In recent years, RCMs have been encouraged to take the presence of threatened or vulnerable species into account when reviewing their development plans, so as to protect sites of importance for these species.

The Canadian Wildlife Service and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are the main protagonists in efforts involving animal species under federal jurisdiction (migratory birds, marine mammals and marine fish) while the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec and the Ministère de l’Environnement are responsible for all other plant and animal species.