species at risk. plant and animal that has a low or declining population may be at risk of...

Species at Risk

Species at Risk Plant and animal that has a low or

declining population May be at risk of extinction Species that is sensitive to human

disturbance and natural events

The Wildlife Act, 1998 Saskatchewan’s process of listing plants

and animals. Uses the same risk categories and

definitions as the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)

Categories include: extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened, special concern

Who is Responsible? The province is responsible for ensuring that

species at risk are adequately protected. The Wildlife Act, 1998

Species designated under this cannot be distributed, collected, harvested, captured, killed or exported.

The federal government is responsible for national parks, federal community pastures and First Nations reserve lands. Species at Risk Act (SARA)

Habitats important to the survival and recovery of these species at risk are protected.

Which Species are at Risk? There are about 50 species considered

at risk in Saskatchewan’s grasslands. Mammals: Swift fox, Ord’s Kangaroo Rat Amphibians: Northern Leopard Frog,

Great Plains Toad, Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer, Greater Short-horned Lizard.

Why are Species at Risk?

Habitat Loss A natural habitat is rendered

functionally unable to support species present.

Organisms that previously used the site are displaced or destroyed

Disappearing Habitat Most animals and plants require

healthy, contiguous native habitats

Most are unable to live or reproduce in cultivated, industrial or urban landscapes

Roads, buildings, pipelines and other industrial developments can reduce the amount of available habitat

Habitat Destruction Ways the people directly destroy habitat Examples: bulldozing trees, filling in

wetlands, dredging rivers, mowing fields, and cutting down trees.

Habitat Degradation This occurs when the habitat is still

there, but overuse or human activity has affected the ability of that habitat to support native animals and plants

Habitat Fragmentation Terrestrial habitat is broken into

fragments by roads and development Aquatic habitat is broken into dams and

water divisions. Fragments may be too small to support

species to find mates and food.

Introduction of Exotic Species Species that come from areas that they

are not native to. Can threaten species of that habitat by

competition for food and resources. Ex: Cane Toad

Over- Harvesting Hunting has had a big impact on some

animal populations in the past Ex: Bison

Present day hunting regulations minimize over-harvesting of wildlife.

Persecution In the past some species have been

persecuted because they were considered a threat to livestock or dangerous to people.

Isolation of Populations When a population becomes isolated

from others it is at greater risk of diseases, extreme weather (drought), and chance mortality events.

Isolation causes population to be less genetically diverse

Disease Although this is a natural

part of all ecosystems, this can be magnified when animal populations are already low.

Human diseases can transfer into an area where the wildlife is not adapted to cope with.

Pesticides Chemicals that are used to control

insects and weeds can have wide-ranging effects on other wildlife.

Today, the use of pesticides is regulated.

Human Disturbance Some species are sensitive to human

activities and others are more tolerant.

Unknown Causes Exact cause is unknown

Main drivers of habitat loss Agriculture Land conversion for development Water development Pollution Global Warming

http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=c2e39ae8-cbf1-4f07-8d9a-b50ce3f4fd01