Low-frequency sound. Some birds can detect extremely low—pitched sounds. Since such sounds can travel thousands of kilometers with little loss in intensity, they may possibly be used by some birds as navi— gational cues.

Barometric pressure. An organ within the middle ear of pigeons is thought to be sensitive to slight changes in air pressure, and may possibly be useful to the bird in forecasting weather conditions suitable for migration.

David Cairns

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This is the third article in a series on endangered wildlife in Canada, information provided by the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

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EASTERN COUGAR (Felis concolor cougar)

The eastern courgar is a medium to

large dark-coloured subspecies that was formerly found over nos: of eastern Mort; America. In Canada, it once ranged throughout Ontario, southern Quebec, and the Maritimes, but is now very rarely sighted. Currently, an estimated 100 individuals are thought to be scattered . sparsely throughout the former range, ’ with about half of them in New Brunswick. Clearing of the eastern hardwood forests and the subsequent conflict with man drove the cougar to the more remote areas of its range. At present, there are indications that the cougar is slowly re-occupying parts of its former range.

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VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT (Marmota vancouverensis)

The Vancouver Island marmot closely resembles its eastern cousin, the woddchuck, and is found exclusively on the rocky mountain sides of western Vancouver Island. Never. abundant, this marmot is now thought to number fewer than 100 individuals. Since it occupies such a restricted habitat, it is extremely vulnerable to sudden environmental change.