The Ross’s Gull is very rare in Canada and breeds in remote arctic habitats, making it difficult to monitor. There are only a handful of nesting areas in Canada where Ross’s Gulls have been monitored sporadically since 1997 (Maftei et al. 2012). The abundance of Ross’s Gulls recorded at these breeding sites has varied markedly over the years (0-10 pairs per year; Environment Canada 2007a). However, although information is limited, the Canadian population does not appear to have declined in abundance relative to about 1970 (Environment Canada 2007a). Most of the global population migrates through the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas off Point Barrow, Alaska; recent counts there also show little change relative to earlier numbers (Maftei et al. 2014). The Canadian Recovery Strategy’s population objective for Ross’s Gull is to maintain the current population size and distribution (Environment Canada 2007a). The Ross’s Gull is listed under the Species at Risk Act because its small population makes it vulnerable. Its population is therefore below the lowest acceptable level relative to its national population goal until it is de-listed.
