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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Did you know that almost half of all species on the planet today are at risk of extinction? That’s over 50,000 species. It’s heartbreaking to think that there are so many endangered species on Earth. But, you must understand the statistics surrounding endangered species. This way, you can become an advocate and help save them.

Canada’s wildlife is a big part of what makes this great country so incredible. It’s also a struggle for wildlife to survive in this country. The extinctions that have happened are heartbreaking, sad, but also avoidable.

Although the struggle to prevent extinction is real, there’s still hope for many of Canada’s endangered species to rebound. We look at the endangered species we have in Canada and some startling statistics about their survival.

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The 10 Canadian Endangered Species Statistics

  1. Almost 1,500 Canadian plants and animals are currently endangered. Many of these species will be lost in the next few years unless we act.
  2. Many of the endangered species found in Canada are aquatic creatures such as fish and amphibians.
  3. The bocaccio rockfish population in Canada has declined over the last 30 years. It’s because of commercial fishing.
  4. The Blanding’s turtle is listed as endangered in Canada. In the last decade, their numbers have declined by 30%.
  5. The eastern mountain avens is a rare plant with only about 200 remaining in Canada.
  6. There are three primary threats to the Plymouth gentian plant in Canada: urban sprawl, climate change, and invasive species.
  7. There are only 3% of rockrose remaining in Canada.
  8. The bank swallow has an average life span of about 15 months, and only about 3% of the population reaches one year of age.
  9. The Vancouver Island marmot is the largest species of marmot in Canada. But it has a population of less than 700 because its habitat is being destroyed.
  10. The polar bear population in Canada has declined by 20% since the early 2000s.
canada endangered species
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Endangered Species & Aquatic Life in Canada

1. Almost 1,500 Canadian plants and animals are currently endangered. Many of these species will be lost in the next few years unless we act.

(CANADIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA)

Many species of wildlife are in danger. The situation is dire, but it’s not too late to help. We can protect these endangered species and prevent them from disappearing forever.

Dwindling habitats, poaching, and invasive species are a few of the things that threaten the existence of these plants and animals.

If you’re like most Canadians, you must love nature and animals. But did you know that in Canada, hundreds of plants and animals are at risk of disappearing forever?

Atlantic salmon held by a person
Image Credit: kehlmack, Pixabay

2. Many of the endangered species found in Canada are aquatic creatures, such as fish and amphibians.

(BRITANNICA)

There are many animals in Canada at risk of becoming endangered. The primary reason for this is the destruction of their natural habitats and the pollution of their water sources. Many species of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic creatures have become extinct due to these causes.

Fish species such as the Atlantic cod and Atlantic salmon have been over-fished by humans. Pollution has affected the water they live in. The Pacific salmon population is also shrinking due to over-fishing and the destruction of their spawning grounds by logging companies.

Amphibians such as frogs and toads are also becoming endangered in Canada. It’s because their natural habitat is threatened by human activity such as oil spills or pollution from factories.

Gopher Frog
Image Credit: Nathan A Shepard, Shutterstock

3. The bocaccio rockfish population in Canada has declined over the last 30 years. It’s because of commercial fishing.

(RESEARCHGATE)

Bocaccio rockfish are a crucial part of the food chain off the west coast of Canada. The interesting part about this species is that it’s a forage fish. It means that it feeds on other fish. In turn, it’s prey for larger predators such as salmon, halibut, and tuna.

Over the last few decades, bocaccio rockfish have been one of the most commercially fished rockfish in British Columbia. But since the population has been dwindling, many fishermen have stopped harvesting them.

The bocaccio rockfish was once abundant in Canada’s coastal waters. But it has experienced a drastic population decline.


4. The Blanding’s turtle is listed as endangered in Canada. In the last decade, their numbers have declined by 30%.

(CANADA)

The Blanding’s turtle is a reptile that’s protected under the federal Species at Risk Act in Canada. It is only found in Canada in Southwestern Ontario. This turtle is an endangered species due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

The primary reason why these turtles are such a serious concern is that they cannot adapt to human development. They live in slow-moving water and hibernate on land during the winter months. As the human population continues to grow, there isn’t as much room for them to live and thrive in their natural habitat.

Also, they run into trouble with road mortality since they like to bask on roads. They are hit by cars most of the time.

Blanding's Turle in the dirt
Image Credit: Brian A Wolf, Shutterstock

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Endangered Plants in Canada

5. The eastern mountain avens is a rare plant with only about 200 remaining in Canada.

(NATURE CONSERVANCY CANADA)

The eastern mountain avens plant is found in the high alpine area of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

This plant produces pinkish-purple flowers towards the end of July and August. These flowers are referred to as “goat’s beard” and are pollinated by bumblebees and other insects.

The plant grows along with cliff faces and talus slopes, where it’s difficult for hikers to reach. It also grows in locations that have been disturbed, such as landslides and avalanche chutes. The main threat facing this species is habitat loss due to human activities.


6. There are three primary threats to the Plymouth gentian plant in Canada: urban sprawl, climate change, and invasive species.

(WILDLIFE SPECIES)

The Plymouth gentian plant is a small perennial herb with blue or white flowers that grow in open fields and forest clearings. It blooms from late June to mid-August across most of Canada. It’s considered one of Canada’s most endangered plants.

Urban sprawl is a growing problem for the Plymouth gentian plant. It’s all due to increased industrialization and road construction.

Also, climate change can be problematic because it could cause a change in temperature or change in precipitation levels. It causes less nitrogen that is essential for this plant’s growth to seep into the soil.

In addition, invasive species, such as wild garlic, wild onion, Canada thistle, and dandelion, pose a threat to the Plymouth gentian plant. It’s because they steal nutrients from the soil needed by the gentians.


7. There is only 3% of rockrose remaining in Canada.

(NOVA SCOTIA)

Tall and graceful, Canada frostweed is a beautiful plant with many tiny white flowers in the late summer and fall. It grows at the edges of lakes, in ditches, and hillsides.

Frostweed produces large amounts of nectar for pollinators in late summer and fall. It provides valuable habitat for other plants and animals. Also, the plant creates pockets of open space amongst its massive canopies.

Rockrose is becoming increasingly rare and difficult to find. It’s due to habitat loss, over-harvesting, and a lack of understanding of rockrose’s ecological significance.

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Endangered Birds & Mammals in Canada

8. The bank swallow has an average life span of about 15 months, and only about 3% of the population reaches one year of age.

(PRBO)

The bank swallow (Riparia riparia) has declined over the last century and is now considered endangered in Canada. It’s a trend that has been ongoing since the European settlement of Canada. It is on the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) list.

The bank swallow’s decline can be attributed to a myriad of factors like land-use changes such as urbanization, agriculture, and forestry. These factors have caused the over-disturbance of their nesting habitat.

Increased development has increased nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds, which also compete with the bank swallow for nest sites. Insecticides such as DDT, dieldrin, endosulfan, lindane, and heptachlor have affected their populations as well.

They have contaminated their food supply and caused reproductive failure in birds. That’s why many bank swallows don’t live long.

A bank swallow resting on a wooden plank
Image Credit: Pictureguy, Shutterstock

9. The Vancouver Island marmot is the largest species of marmot in Canada. But it has a population of less than 700 because its habitat is being destroyed.

(CANADA)

Vancouver Island marmots live on Vancouver Island. They’re nocturnal and eat grasses, leaves, and roots. The primary reason why Vancouver Island marmots are endangered is that their habitat is being destroyed by building homes and farms and cutting down trees around their habitat.

Additionally, they are hunted by predators such as cougars and coyotes that hang out close to their burrows, putting them in more danger. They become easy prey for these predators.

Since the Vancouver Island marmots are so endangered, there are efforts to help them find new homes. There are groups of volunteers taking these marmots in as pets. But, this doesn’t solve the problem entirely since it does not help the marmots reproduce and become stronger again.


10. The polar bear population in Canada has declined by 20% since the early 2000s.

(AWSASSETS)

The polar bear is a large bear that lives in the Arctic region. It’s an excellent swimmer and hunter. It relies on sea ice for most activities, including hunting its prey of seals and sometimes fish. The decline of sea ice caused by climate change has endangered the lives of polar bears.

Polar bears are vulnerable to climate change. It’s because they live almost entirely on sea ice. When sea ice melts, it forces the bears to swim long distances or starve to death.

Global warming is also a primary threat to polar bears. As the planet warms, sea ice melts, forcing polar bears to spend more time on land. Polar bears in captivity die from overheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of animals are endangered in Canada?

A staggering number of animals in Canada are facing extinction. The World Wildlife Fund has declared that nearly half of the country’s at-risk animals are endangered.

Canada is home to 500 endangered animal and plant species. That’s 2% of the total number of vertebrates in Canada or 40% of all known plants and animals.

(WWF)


Who decides if some species are endangered or not in Canada

The law which protects species at risk is the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). It’s administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assesses species according to their risk of extinction.

Then, they recommend whether they should be considered at risk. COSEWIC is made up of volunteer experts from across Canada.

COSEWIC does not have the authority to protect species. But it can make recommendations to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change based on its scientific assessments. Then, the minister may recommend species for listing under SARA, which is done by order-in-council.

(HWW)

Two eco activists take pictures of fir trees in the forest and make notes on the paper
Image Credit: zakharovs, Shutterstock

What is the number one threat to endangered animals in Canada?

The number one threat to endangered plants and animals in Canada is habitat destruction. Habitat loss means that species do not have the space to survive and thrive. They are forced to move into areas where they may not find enough food or water. It can lead to starvation and dehydration. It’ll eventually kill the endangered species.

Usually, habitat destruction is caused by human activity. Logging companies cut down forests, and mining companies blast holes in mountains. Many people build their homes on land that had once been a home for these species.

The best way to protect endangered plants and animals is to stop habitat destruction before it starts. If you live near a forest or another natural area where endangered species are, you can help by contacting your local government when you see signs of destruction.

(RESEARCHGATE)


How can you protect plants and animals in Canada from becoming endangered?

Species are added to the Species at Risk (SAR) list when they are at risk of becoming extinct or threatened. Endangered species are plants and animals likely to become extinct if steps are not taken to protect them.

It’s crucial to help the environment and make sure that we do not harm plants or animals in any way. We should also protect their habitats and make sure that they have enough food, clean water, and space.

By composting our yard waste, we can reduce the amount of pollution that may harm plants and animals in the wild. When we leave litter on the ground where animals live, we can also hurt their environment. Do not throw out litter anyhow.

We can also help endangered species by planting native trees and flowers around our houses, gardens, or school grounds; this will provide homes for many birds and insects. We will also be able to provide food for them.

(PLENTY CANADA)

Northern Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora)
Image Credit: Lisa Pedscalny, Shutterstock

Which endangered species in Canada are in danger of extinction?

There are a lot of factors that come into play when discussing endangered species extinction in Canada. It does not directly affect the animal themselves, but also their habitats and even other animals that share their habitat.

Some of the endangered species at risk of extinction include caribou and loggerhead shrike, peregrine falcon, tiger beetle, and Atlantic cod.

Fortunately, organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund have developed frameworks to preserve endangered animals and their habitats from further destruction.

(WWF)


What is the difference between endangered and threatened species?

Both terms are used to describe plants and animals at risk of extinction. The difference between endangered and threatened species is that endangered species are on the brink of extinction. Threatened species are likely to become endangered soon.


How many species become endangered each year in Canada?

There are dozens of species in Canada that become endangered each year. The Canadian Encyclopedia estimates that as many as 554 animal species become endangered each year in Canada. It’s due to habitat loss, pollution, overhunting, and other causes.

(CANADIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA)

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Benefits of Protecting Endangered Species

Protecting endangered species provides many benefits to society as a whole. These include the intrinsic value of preserving biodiversity and the ecosystem. They’re also essential for maintaining and enhancing human life and well-being.

One of the most important things that people need to understand is that these animals are part of our natural environment. We need to protect them so that we can continue to use them as a resource.

This is especially true for plants and animals that we need for medicinal purposes or food sources. Many people do not realize this. But many countries rely on tourism as a primary source of income. If there are no animals left in the wild for people to see, then there will be no reason for tourists to visit those countries.

(ENDANGERED SPECIES COALITION)

Peregrine falcon
Image Credit: Pixabay

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Conclusion

The extinction crisis is global. But, with sobering statistics like the ones found in Canada, we need to start taking bolder steps towards saving our planet. If you want to make a difference in your area, consider becoming a member of a local wildlife organization. You can also volunteer and help protect your local endangered species.

Canada’s endangered species face various threats, from climate change to pollution and habitat loss. But environmental threats are not the only culprits. Human activities, such as hunting and fishing, may also be a major contributor to the endangerment of many Canadian species.

If more is not done to preserve our natural world, we may soon lose some of Canada’s most beautiful and beloved species.


Featured Image Credit: Capri23auto, Pixabay