CWF needs your help to save some of Canada’s most iconic species

CWF needs your help to save some of Canada’s most iconic species

From the snow capped mountains of British Columbia to the deep blue seas at the tip of Nova Scotia, Canada is home to some of the world’s most scenic spaces and vibrant wildlife. Sadly, due to habitat encroachment, climate change, urban sprawl and pollution critical habitat is disappearing resulting in a rapid decline of biodiversity which threatens some of our most iconic species.

According to the scientific Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, there are 585 plant and animal species at risk in Canada. With new species being added to the list every year, scientists believe that species are disappearing at the fastest rate in history. Iconic Canadian species that are endangered or threatened include:

Killer whale.

Found in the Pacific Ocean, these social mammals are declining due to toxic chemicals, reduced prey availability, boat traffic, entanglement in fishing gear, vessels collisions and oil spills. Populations that are threatened include the West Coast transient population and the Northern resident population.

To help improve conditions for this magnificent creature, CWF has appeared before the Standing Committee on illegal dumping of oil from ships, the Senate Committee on the Navigable Waters Protection Act, support efforts to rescue sources of toxic chemical pollution and supports several initiatives to improve conditions for salmon, a key food source for killer whales.

You can help the killer whales and their habitat by conserving and protecting water at home.

Woodland caribou.

Found in several Canadian provinces including British Columbia and Alberta, these animals require mature old-growth coniferous forests that contain lichens. Woodland caribou are also an indicator of a healthy forest ecosystem. Due to human disturbance, habitat destruction, predation and climate change, populations in the southern mountain and the Boreal are threatened.

In Canada’s Forest Strategy for 2008 and beyond, CWF advocated for the protection of large, intact, unfragmented tracts of forest, which are a habitat requirement for woodland caribou.

You can help the woodland caribou by purchasing paper from sustainably managed forests and support projects to conserve habitat.

Monarch butterfly.

Found in nearly every Canadian province, this butterfly can be found during the summer months where milkweed and wildflowers grow. Due to human disturbance, logging, loss of eucalyptus tress, and protozoan disease and herbicide use, the monarch is of special concern.

CWF has provided funding for many native plant habitat improvement projects, provides a wide range of education materials on gardening for butterflies and participates in international conservation planning for the monarch.

To help monarch butterflies, avoid the use of pesticides, grow native plants and support projects that improve habitat conditions and knowledge of issues affecting the monarch.

Our natural environment has played a vital role in Canada’s heritage and is part of an ongoing legacy that defines Canada to the world. The time to act is now.

CWF’s Endangered Species Program

CWF is working hard to educate, advocate and research and inform Canadians about the plight of Canada’s most iconic species. And through the new Endangered Species Program, CWF will be able to help conserve threatened and at-risk wildlife in Canada through:

• Research into the causes of species decline and research to find the most positive actions to help wildlife;
• Species recovery plan;
• Re-introduction of endangered species into their native habitats;
• Programs to help conserve wild habitat; and
• Work that will improve government policies affecting wildlife.

Canada is blessed with some of the world’s most inspiring wildlife and wild areas. It provides places for us to relax and renew our spirit, provides us with clean water, and is the source of many of our medicines, crops and foods. By continuing to offer and fund programs that conserve threatened and endangered species and their habitat we will ensure the conservation of iconic species and scenic spaces for generations to come.

For more information about species at risk and how you can contribute to the Endangered Species Program visit our website, cwf-fcf.org

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:

CWF is dedicated to fostering awareness and value of our natural world through outreach, education, and funding. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment and the animals that depend on them, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians may live in harmony with nature. Visit cwf-fcf.org for more information and to support wildlife conservation.

For more information about CWF, iconic species at risk and the Endangered Species Program please contact:

Stacey Scott, Communications Officer
Canadian Wildlife Federation
613-599-9594
Staceys@cwf-fcf.org