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In Canada there are 521 plant and animal species at risk that are listed under SARA and the list is growing. The reasons can be as varied and complex as the species themselves, however, many result from human activity. Plants, animals and microorganisms are essential to the natural processes that keep the Earth’s atmosphere, climate, landscape and water in balance. They help ensure our health and economic prosperity – now and for the future. This is why the Government of Canada introduced the Species at Risk Act to protect endangered and threatened species and the spaces they need to flourish.
Species at risk is a designation given to plant and animal species that are threatened with extinction, extirpation, or endangerment in a given geographic region. Species can become at risk from a number of human-induced influences, including changes in land use, loss of habitat, pollution, and the spread of invasive species. Once a species is classified as at risk, it is added to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Species at Risk in Ontario List.
There are four categories, or classes, of at risk:
- Extirpated: A native species that no longer exists in the wild in Ontario, but still exists elsewhere (e.g., Greater Prairie-Chicken)
- Endangered: A native species facing extinction or extirpation (e.g., American Chestnut tree)
- Threatened: A native species at risk of becoming endangered in Ontario (e.g., Blanding’s Turtle)
- Special Concern: A native species that is sensitive to human activities or natural events that may soon cause the species to become endangered or threatened (e.g., Monarch Butterfly).
This link below shows you a list of all the endangered species in Ontario!
Here are some tips to help you protect our endangered species and species at risk!
Make your home wildlife friendly.
Secure garbage in shelters or cans with locking lids, feed pets indoors and lock pet doors at night to avoid attracting wild animals into your home. Reduce your use of water in your home and garden so that animals that live in or near water can have a better chance of survival. Disinfect bird baths often to avoid disease transmission. Place decals on windows to deter bird collisions. Millions of birds die every year because of collisions with windows. You can help reduce the number of collisions simply by placing decals on the windows in your home and office.
Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Attracting native insects like bees and butterflies can help pollinate your plants. The spread of non-native species has greatly impacted native populations around the world. Invasive species compete with native species for resources and habitat. They can even prey on native species directly, forcing native species towards extinction.
Herbicides and pesticides may keep yards looking nice but they are in fact hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels. Many herbicides and pesticides take a long time to degrade and build up in the soils or throughout the food chain. Predators such as hawks, owls and coyotes can be harmed if they eat poisoned animals. Some groups of animals such as amphibians are particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and suffer greatly as a result of the high levels of herbicides and pesticides in their habitat. .
Slow down when driving.
Many animals live in developed areas and this means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards. One of the biggest obstacles to wildlife living in developed areas is roads. Roads divide habitat and present a constant hazard to any animal attempting to cross from one side to the other. So when you’re out and about, slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species.
Overseas trips can be exciting and fun, and everyone wants a souvenir. But sometimes the souvenirs are made from species nearing extinction. Avoid supporting the market in illegal wildlife including: tortoise-shell, ivory, coral.
Protect wildlife habitat.
Perhaps the greatest threat that faces many species is the widespread destruction of habitat. Scientists tell us the best way to protect endangered species is to protect the special places where they live. Wildlife must have places to find food, shelter and raise their young. Logging, oil and gas drilling, over-grazing and development all result habitat destruction. Endangered species habitat should be protected and these impacts minimized. By protecting habitat, entire communities of animals and plants can be protected together. Parks, wildlife refuges, and other open space should be protected near your community. Open space also provides us with great places to visit and enjoy. Support wildlife habitat and open space protection in your community. When you are buying a house, consider your impact on wildlife habitat.
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