1. ENDANGERED SPECIES
Chapter 1.2

2. SPECIES AT RISK
Species whose populations decline below a certain level are considered to be at risk.
In Canada, more than 250 species of plants and animals are at various degrees of risk.

3. 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
5. Over Harvesting

4. HIGH PROFILE AT-RISK SPECIES
BALD EAGLE
PANDA BEAR
BUFFALO’S
See Page 15 of text to look at Canada’s “at-risk” species.
The word “at-risk” is used because it encompasses all five levels.

5. 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 )

6. Extinct Species
Blue Walleye
Passenger Pigeon

7. 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 )
Gorillas
Atlantic Salmon ( very shortly )

8. Endangered Species
Beluga Whale

9. Endangered Species cont….
Eastern Cougar
Gorilla
Atlantic Salmon

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

11. Extirpated Species
Grizzly Bear

12. 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.)

13. Threatened
Peregrine Falcon
Wood Bison

14. 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

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

16. PLEASE ANSWER QUESTION # 2 PAGE 15 OF TEXT

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