Nature Canada

Get to know our Endangered Species

Samantha Nurse, Web and Social Media Coordinator

Samantha Nurse, Web and Social Media Coordinator

How much do you know about the species at risk in Canada?

Species at risk are species whose members are declining and at risk of extinction. This often happens due to a number of factors like environmental or human-induced changes to their habitats.

Once the species are listed on the Federal Species at Risk list, they are under legal protection in hopes to both conserve and recover the species. Currently there are over 300 wild plants and animals protected by the Species at Risk Act (SARA)!

There are several profiles of species at risk on our website with the basic “need to know” facts and the various ways in which you can help. Recently, we have just added to 2 more species profiles: Sei Whale and Common Nighthawk.

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A photo of a Sei Whale mother and her calf

A photo of a Sei Whale mother and her calf

Many people haven’t heard of a Sei Whale before but it is actually the 3rd largest baleen whale in the world! Their average length is about 15 meters which is approximately 50 feet!

The Pacific population of this species is listed as Endangered and is found off the coast of British Columbia. The Sei Whale has been impacted through human activity over the years, such as noise pollution and human sourced pollution like contaminated run-off.

There are however, many ways in which Canada is working towards protecting the species and many ways that you can help them too! There are volunteer monitoring programs in place, and we have a few tips on just how you can help to protect the Sei Whales. Read more here.

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Image of a Common NIghthawk

Image of a Common NIghthawk

The Common Nighthawk is listed as Threatened and they are found in Canada during the warmer months. The habitats this species calls home are generally grasslands, sand-dunes, riverbanks and marshes!

Why is it at risk? There are two main factors: habitat loss and agricultural development. Due to this, monitoring has concluded that their population has been dropping over the past few years. But, there are ways that you can help this species! Be sure to report any sightings of the Common Nighthawk in our NatureHood App as it helps reveal patterns that can aid local scientists in their work to protect the species. Read more facts and learn other ways in which you can help this species here!

Wild plants and animals give humans so much – from food and medicine, to healthy ecosystems and spiritual nourishment. Wild species clean the air and water, nourish the soil, maintain the carbon balance in the atmosphere, remove pollutants and prevent waste accumulation. The benefits, what some call ecosystem services, are essential to human life on this planet and every species plays some kind of essential role in an ecosystem.

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