Species at Risk
Dec 23, 2015
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