The first report on species that can only be found in Canada says that 308 plants and animals are at risk of extinction.
The study, called "Ours to Save," was conducted by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and NatureServe Canada. The organizations worked with experts across the country to catalogue species that are endemic to Canada.
Finding out where they live is essential for efforts to save them.
(Photo of the Eastern Wolf courtesy of the Nature Conservancy of Canada)
Of the 308, 28 species are in Ontario, including the Eastern Wolf, found in Algonquin Park.
Senior Conservation Biologist, Dan Krause told BlackburnNews.com these species are especially vulnerable to climate change, habitat loss, and invasive species. However, since their numbers are usually limited, other factors put them at risk too.
"It's a very complicated species [the Eastern Wolf] because it will hybridize with the Eastern Coyotes, which are relatively new to Ontario. So that's affecting them, the genetic hybridization. Habitat loss is also impacting them as well," said Kraus. "And when they leave the park, they do seem to be very likely to get hit by cars."
The report will be used by conservation groups to recruit willing landowners and the public to prioritize action to preserve the populations of vulnerable species.
"No other nation can protect this group of all-Canadian species. Their conservation is completely up to Canadians," said Kraus. "Protecting these species is Canada's priority in the fight against global biodiversity loss. The consequence of our failure to preserve them is their extinction."
The report will also help guide decision-makers at all levels of government.
"This report provides decision-makers with critical information in understanding where conservation investments could be directed," said Executive Director of NatureServe Canada, Patrick Henry.