SPECIES AT-RISK Chapter 1.2 Chapter 1.3

SPECIES AT RISK Species whose populations decline below a certain level are considered to be at risk. In Canada, there are 751 species in various degrees of risk as of October 2017, according to COSEWIC (Committee of the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada). Summary table of Wildlife Species at Risk in Canada: https://wildlife-species.canada.ca/species-risk-registry/sar/index/default_e.cfm

Why are Species at Risk? The reasons for an ecosystem decline, are the same reasons why certain species are put at risk. 1. Loss of habitat 2. Pollution 3. Diseases 4. Climate change / global warming 5. Accidental introduction of new species 6. Over harvesting certain species 7. Competition 8. Increased use of pesticides and fertilizers 9. Natural environmental change / Mass Extinction Mass extinctions: 5 major events 438 Million years ago the first mass extinction of marine organisms took place 360 Million years ago the same thing happened again 245 Million years ago the largest extinction took place destroying 80% of all species. 208 Million years ago a fourth catastrophe occurred and the birth of dinosaurs was created. The most famous mass extinction occurred 65 million years ago, which marked the end of the dinosaur. ( ICE AGE) There is evidence that an asteroid hit Earth just off the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. 9.6 km deep and 300 km wide. ( roughly here to PEI)

Introduction of New Species http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/150319-joro-spiders-animals-science-invasive-species-asia-nation/

Classification system for At-Risk Species 1. EXTINCT – A species that is not found anywhere EXAMPLES: Blue Walleye (Type of Fish-1965 ) Passenger Pigeon ( 1914 )

Extinct Species Passenger Pigeon Blue Walleye

2. ENDANGERED A species that is close to extinction in all parts of Canada or in a significantly large location. EXAMPLES: Eastern Cougar ( very rare sightings) Beluga Whale ( St. Lawrence River ) Atlantic Salmon ( very shortly )

Endangered Species Beluga Whale

Endangered Species cont. Eastern Cougar Atlantic Salmon

3. EXTIRPATED Any species that no longer exists in one part of Canada, but can be found in others EXAMPLES: Grizzly Bear (no longer in Man. and Sask but found in Alberta and BC.)

Grizzly Bear

4. THREATENED Any species that is likely to become endangered if factors that make it vulnerable are not reversed. EXAMPLES: Wood Bison ( small number) Anatum Peregrine Falcon ( captive breeding is helping to restore population.)

Threatened Peregrine Falcon Wood Bison

5. VULNERABLE or Special Concern Any species that is at risk because of low or declining numbers at the fringe of its range or in some restricted area. EXAMPLES: Grey Fox Atlantic Cod Blue Heron White tail Deer

Vulnerable/Special Concern Grey Fox Blue Heron Atlantic Cod White- Tailed Deer

Which at-risk category is the most devastating? Answer: Extinction

In the modern world, extinction rates of species on planet Earth are increasing at an alarming rate. Between 1600 – 1900 the estimate is that one species went extinct every four years. It is estimated that we lose one species every 30 minutes, that is about 17,500 per year… Gone Forever! Species extinction rates are increasing dramatically as the human population grows. Species at risk of extinction is growing, at the rate of about 80 species per year.

Some species learn to adapt to major changes, others die. In either case, this has major effects on each ecosystem and food chain.

EFFECTS OF EXTINCTION The number and variety of species in an ecosystem is described as the biological diversity or BIODIVERSITY of the ecosystem. The reduction in biodiversity caused by the extinction of a single species can cause a “domino effect” with many negative effects. When the threatened species acts as a predator, it keeps the population of its prey in check.

EFFECTS OF EXTINCTION When it acts as prey, it provides an important food source. So, An increase in Biodiversity = Healthy ecosystem. A decrease in Biodiversity = greater chance of Ecosystem Collapse.

SEA OTTER EXAMPLE Decrease in the Sea Otter ( predator ) Means an increase in Sea Urchins Means a decrease in Kelp ( form of seaweed) Means a decrease in Fish ( relies on seaweed for habitat and food ) By protecting the Sea Otters caused a increase in Fish which balanced out the food chain and therefore the ecosystem.

How Wolves Change Rivers

Competition – Battle at Kruger

PLEASE ANSWER QUESTION # 2 PAGE 15 OF TEXT

ANSWERS TO QUESTION #2 A) Threatened B) Endangered C) Extirpated

World’s Loneliest Animals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB5lqhGI3UQ