Species at Risk

Which species are at risk in Canada?

According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, there are currently 516 plant and animal species at risk in Canada. The Whooping Crane, the North Atlantic right whale, the monarch and the blue ash are just a few examples. Another 13 species are already extinct.

How do we know that these species are at risk?

Experts regularly assess the status of wildlife across the country. The species are listed in five categories: Special Concern, Threatened, Endangered, Extirpated, and Extinct.

Why do some species become at risk in Canada?

The destruction of their habitat is a major factor, along with genetic and reproductive isolation, suppression of natural events, environmental contamination, over harvesting and excessive trade, climate change, disease and the presence of invasive species.

What is Canada doing to recover and protect its species?

Across the country, teams are working on the recovery of species at risk.

What can we do individually to help species at risk?

Everyone can help these species by doing simple and concrete things on a daily basis.