Explanation of Ranks: G=Global; S=Alberta
Updated October 1, 2007
| Rank | Frequency/Distribution | Concerns/Comments |
| S1/G1
|
5 or fewer occurrences or only a few remaining
individuals
|
May be especially vulnerable to extirpation
because of some factor of its biology
|
| S2/G2
|
6-20 or fewer occurrences or with many
individuals in fewer locations
|
May be especially vulnerable to extirpation
because of some factor of its biology
|
| S3/G3 | 21-100 occurrences, may be rare and local
throughout it's range, or in a restricted range (may
be abundant in some locations)
|
May be susceptible to extirpation because
of large scale disturbances
|
| S4/G4
|
Typically >100 occurrences
|
Apparently secure
|
| S5/G5
|
Typically >100 occurrences
|
Demonstrably secure
|
A NUMBER OF OTHER CODES ARE USED TO CLARIFY THE STATUS OF AN ELEMENT |
|
A |
Accidental or casual in the province, includes species (usually birds or butterflies) recorded very infrequently, commonly far outside their usual range. |
B |
A rank modifier indicating breeding status for a migratory species. |
C |
Element is presently existing in the province only in captivity or cultivation. |
E |
Exotic species established in province, may be native to nearby regions. |
H |
Historically known, may be relocated in future. |
HYB |
Hybrid taxon that is recurrent in the landscape |
N |
A rank modifier indicating non-breeding status for a migratory species. |
P |
Potentially exists in province but no occurrences reported. |
Q |
Taxonomic problems involved, more information needed. |
R |
Reported for Alberta but lacking documentation which would provide a basis for either accepting or rejecting the report (e.g. misidentified specimen). |
RB |
Report dubious |
RF |
Falsely reported for Alberta but this error persists in the literature |
SNA |
Not Applicable - A conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities |
SYN |
Synonym; element reported as occurring in Alberta, but province does not recognize the taxon. |
T |
Rank for subspecific taxon (subspecies or variety). |
U |
Status uncertain often because of low search effort or cryptic nature of the element, possibly in peril, unrankable, more information needed |
X |
Believed to be extinct or extirpated, historical records only. |
Z |
Ranking not applicable (e.g. migrants only) |
_? |
Rank questionable |
? |
Not yet ranked in Alberta or rank tentatively assigned. |
