Are Canada's Species at Risk?

In Canada, as elsewhere in the world, species are becoming endangered at an alarming rate. There are currently 364 species classified as being at risk in Canada. Scientists tell us that a major reason for species loss is destruction of habitat.

Once we know a species is at risk, we need to decide what can and should be done to help it survive and recover. Some immediate protection will be put in place for individuals of the species and their habitats. Then we -- not just the government, but everyone involved -- need to decide what we want to accomplish, through the development of a recovery strategy.

To find out which animals, plants and other living organisms are at risk of disappearing from Canada unless actions are taken to ensure their survival, do a species search.

You can search according to risk category, range, Latin name and common name. You'll get a list of the species in the category you've chosen. Fact sheets for each species will tell you about their biology, distribution, threats and recovery plans.

Draw a Map

Find out which animals and plants are listed as species at risk in your area and other parts of Canada. Draw a map of the distribution range of a particular species at risk. You can draw a map for an individual species or group (e.g. mammals, birds, fish, plants) or select a map of all the species at risk in a particular area.

Visit Environment Canada's Species at Risk Web site to learn more about recovery efforts in Canada.

Track the migratory movements of the King eider, Leatherback sea turtle, Peregrine falcon, and Polar bear from beyond the Earth's atmosphere. Become a scientific sleuth and conduct your own scientific investigation through Space For Species.