Quick Reference

The purpose of species detection surveys

Wild species detection surveys are typically conducted by environmental consultants working on behalf of industry proponents but may also be required for other types of projects that have the potential to impact wild species or their habitats. Survey results guide project siting, mitigation and reclamation planning to avoid or minimize impacts to rare and sensitive species.

The role of HABISask

HABISask stands for Hunting, Angling, and Biodiversity Information of Saskatchewan. HABISask is the Government of Saskatchewan’s client-centred, online mapping application that consolidates new information and existing applications.

HABISask can be used to access the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre’s species occurrence data and to obtain information on species at risk as part of your planning efforts.

HABISask is not a definitive statement on the presence, absence or status of a species within a given area, nor a substitute for onsite surveys.

The role of the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre

The Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC) is a provincial organization dedicated to gathering, interpreting, and distributing standardized information about the ecological status of wild species and communities in Saskatchewan. As a member of the NatureServe network, SKCDC contributes to a hemispheric initiative supporting biodiversity conservation. Its detailed records on at-risk species and habitats are vital for conservation planning, ecological research, impact assessments, and public education. Visit the SKCDC’s website for more information.

How the government uses species detection survey data

Species detection surveys provide essential data to protect wild species and support sustainable development. This information helps guide project planning and approvals, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing impacts on wild species and their habitats.

Your data also contributes to species assessments by the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC) and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). These assessments help determine which species are at risk of extinction and inform the federal Species at Risk Act listing process. Better data means better assessments, leading to more informed listing decisions that help protect species before they become critically endangered.

Additionally, your contributions enhance HABISask, a robust tool for project planning that helps identify and avoid potential impacts on wildlife. Your data helps balance conservation and responsible development.

Where to access survey forms and templates

All documents, including archived mail-out messages, are available in the Publications Centre.

How to receive updates related to species detection permits

Subscribe to the species detection mail-out list for pertinent updates to permits, Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre lists and ranks, and HABISask.

Species detection survey personnel requirements

Personnel requirements for each ministry species detection survey protocol can be found in the Personnel Requirements Instructions and Roster.

Species detection permit application windows

• Breeding or Migration Season Surveys: Applications are accepted in the spring and summer. Subscribe to the species detection mail-out list to be notified when updated forms are available and applications will be accepted.
• Winter Surveys: Applications are accepted from November 1st to March 15th.

Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted before surveys begin and in advance of or during biological timing windows to meet survey effort requirements outlined in Species Detection Survey Protocols (SDSPs).

Cancelled or postponed projects

Please advise at the earliest opportunity if a project is cancelled or postponed. If no surveys were initiated, the permit can be immediately closed. A data submission is required for any surveys that were initiated.

Species detection survey results are valid for two years following surveys.

Amending a permit

To add or remove permitted surveys from your species detection permit, please email the species detection mailbox at sd.researchpermit@gov.sk.ca. Note that species detection loadforms must include all surveys listed on your species detection permit.

Reporting a banded bird

Leg bands identify individual birds so that scientists can better understand the movements to breeding sites, migratory pathways and wintering areas. Bird banding is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Information on how to report banded birds can be found on the ECCC Bird Banding webpage.

The Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre accesses data annually from the federal Bird Banding Office for inclusion in HABISask. By reporting bird bands, you contribute directly to conservation efforts.

Reporting a suspected wildlife disease outbreak or occurrence

The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative coordinates Canada's national wildlife health surveillance program and applies veterinary medical sciences to wildlife conservation and management in Canada. Visit the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative website for instructions on reporting a suspected disease outbreak or occurrence.

Reporting accidentally killed or injured wildlife

Immediate notification must be provided to the nearest Government of Saskatchewan Field Office if any wildlife found injured or dead within the project footprint or survey area, requires euthanasia, or requires transportation to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, a veterinarian or rehabilitation facility.

Submitting wildlife specimens to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) continually improves the size and relevance of the provincial natural history collections. These collections permanently document the province’s wild species and are available to researchers from around the world. See the RSM Biology webpage for information on donating specimens or tissue samples (e.g. skulls, skeletons, feathers, skins).

Specimens, including accidentally killed migratory birds, must be obtained legally and additional permissions may be required to remove specimens from areas such as National Parks, National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, and lands managed by Parks, Culture and Sport. Contact your nearest field office to determine if a permit is required to move or transport them.

For authorization to transfer federally protected species to the RSM by current species detection permit holders, contact the Canadian Wildlife Service at enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca or 1-800-668-6767 (anywhere in Canada).

Submitting plant specimens to the W.P. Herbarium

Collected plant specimens must be promptly submitted to the W.P. Fraser Herbarium, at the University of Saskatchewan, and must follow herbarium submission guidelines, including proper preservation and labels. Contact the herbarium (sask.herbarium@usask.ca) in advance of any submissions.

Information on voucher specimens submitted to the W.P. Fraser Herbarium must be included on the ministry species detection loadform. The identification of voucher specimens that have been confirmed by the herbarium must also be submitted to sd.researchpermit@gov.sk.ca.

Submitting species detection permit data and deadlines

Data must be submitted using the data loadform, which outlines all necessary information. Submissions must be completed for each permit and submitted by the permit’s expiry date. Typically, these deadlines are April 30th for winter surveys and November 10th for breeding or migration season surveys.

If survey results are to be included in Environmental Assessment and Stewardship Branch (EASB) documents, species detection permit data submissions must be made at least three weeks in advance of submissions to EASB.

Requesting a data submission extension

Extensions may be granted upon request for certain surveys requiring additional analysis. Contact sd.researchpermit@gov.sk.ca to inquire.

Preferred species names for data submission

Particularly with plant observations where taxonomy can become complicated, ensure all tracked taxa match the names provided in the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC)’s taxa list.

Reporting observations that could not be identified at the species or subspecies level

When completing your data loadform, report species observations at the lowest taxonomic level you are confident in, even if the species or subspecies could not be identified.

Reporting incidental species observations

All wild species observations, including both target and incidental species, should be recorded in the permit data loadform.