Viable Populations of Species
Management of the landscape with the goal of functioning ecosystems is part of the approach to maintain viable populations and recover species at risk. A viable population is the number of individuals needed to ensure that population does not become extinct in the wild. A viable population should be able to withstand extinction from natural disasters, or environmental shifts. Species that are extinct or extirpated do not have viable populations within Canada, and those species listed as "at risk" are nearing numbers below those necessary for viable populations.
Viable populations of native species help to ensure sustainable yields of food and fibre. Native species play a key role in agricultural processes such as pollination, germination, seed dispersal, soil generation, nutrient cycling, predation, habitat maintenance, waste breakdown, and pest control.
Beyond the tangible needs met by viable populations of native species, wildlife species are valuable to Canadians for cultural, aesthetic, and recreational reasons. The Importance of Nature to Canadians by Statistics Canada shows that 70% of the population participated in wildlife-related activities around their residence. These activities included feeding, watching, studying, or photographing wildlife.
The Agriculture Policy Framework denotes habitat availability, and Species at Risk as two key priorities. AAFC meets these priorities in a variety of ways:
- Community Pasture Program
The Community Pasture Program's manages a productive, bio-diverse rangeland and promotes environmentally responsible land use and practices. The Community Pasture Program encompasses 85 pastures comprising of 930,000 hectares.
- Greencover Canada
Helps producers improve grassland-management practices, protect water quality, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, and enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
- The National Environmental Farm Planning Initiative
Promotes the growth of stewardship activities within the agriculture industry.