Biodiversity

SHAPE of Nature: Edge of Extinction

WCS Canada

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This evaluation reports on the species found in Canada that are at the highest risk of global extinction.

Key points

• There are 187 species in Canada that are assessed as Critically Imperilled by NatureServe or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
• Successful conservation actions have prevented the extinction of species including Whooping Crane and Vancouver Island Marmot
• The number of edge of extinction species in Canada has increased by 40% since 2022

Abstract

• Canada has 187 species assessed as Critically Imperilled by NatureServe or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These species are especially vulnerable to extinction, particularly in the absence of effective conservation actions.
• BC, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia have the greatest number of edge of extinction species in Canada, but these species occur in every province and territory.
• The number of edge of extinction species in Canada has increased by 40% since 2022. This significant increase from last year is a result of new species assessments (e.g., several lichens) and increasing risk (e.g., several Lake Sturgeon populations).
• Conservation actions have prevented the extinction of several species including Whooping Crane and Vancouver Island Marmot.
• Less than one-third of these species have been assessed by COSEWIC and are legally designated as at risk in Canada under the federal Species at Risk Act.
• Half of these species are endemic to Canada and not found anywhere else in the world.
• Species that have small ranges will often trigger Key Biodiversity Areas and will benefit from habitat conservation and stewardship. Species that are widespread and rapidly declining will require limiting cumulative impacts of multiple threats, including habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, pollution, and climate change.

Recommended citation

WCS Canada (2023). SHAPE of Nature: Edge of Extinction. WCS Canada. https://wcscanada.org/resources/shape-of-nature-edge-of-extinction/