Additional time required to prepare recovery strategies for Downy Yellow False Foxglove and False-foxglove Sun Moth under the Endangered Species Act, 2007

Protecting and recovering species at risk in Ontario

Under the Endangered Species Act, 2007, recovery strategies provide recommendations on the protection and recovery of endangered and threatened species. From the time a species is added to, or has its status changed on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List, a recovery strategy is to be prepared within:

• one year for endangered species
• two years for threatened species

These time limits may be extended if the minister is of the opinion that additional time is required because of either:

• the complexity of the issues
• the desire to prepare the recovery strategy in co-operation with one or more other jurisdictions, or
• the desire to give priority to the preparation of recovery strategies for other species

Developing Recovery Strategies for Downy Yellow False Foxglove and False-foxglove Sun Moth

On January 26, 2022, Downy Yellow False Foxglove and the False-foxglove Sun Moth were added to the SARO List as endangered, triggering the requirement to develop recovery strategies for these species by January 26, 2023.

Additional time is required to complete the recovery strategies for Downy Yellow False Foxglove and the False-foxglove Sun Moth. The additional time will allow us to prepare the strategies in co-operation with the federal government as they complete work on the recovery strategies for these species. We estimate that the recovery strategies for these species will be finalized within two years (by January 2025).

Downy Yellow False Foxglove and the False-foxglove Sun Moth currently receive species and habitat protection under sections 9 and 10 of the Endangered Species Act, 2007. In addition, implementation of actions to protect and recover species at risk may continue in the absence of a final recovery strategy. The delay in the preparation of the recovery strategies for Downy Yellow False Foxglove and the False-foxglove Sun Moth will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of these species in Ontario.

Ontario is working with partners, stakeholders, Indigenous peoples and the public to improve the effectiveness of the species at risk program so that we can continue to help preserve Ontario’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.