SHAPE of Nature: Globally threatened species
Wildlife Conservation Society Canada [WCS Canada]
This evaluation tracks the number of species in Canada that are threatened around the globe.
Key points
- There are 1,546 species in Canada that are ranked as globally Critically Imperiled, Imperiled and Vulnerable by NatureServe.
- BC, Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta have the greatest number of globally threatened species.
- There are 339 species in Canada that are currently assessed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Abstract
- There are over 1,500 species in Canada that are globally threatened. Canada has a high degree of global conservation responsibility for many of these species, making our actions particularly critical for protecting biodiversity and halting extinctions.
- Globally threatened species occur in every region of Canada. BC, Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta have the greatest numbers (Figure 1).
- Canada has 1,546 species with global status ranks of Critically Imperiled, Imperiled, and Vulnerable (NatureServe).
- There are 339 species that are assessed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, and Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is an increase of 11 species since 2022 (Figure 2).
- Approximately 17% of globally threatened species found in Canada are listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA). Many have not been assessed by COSEWIC because of insufficient information and/or lack of capacity to complete additional assessments.
- Some globally threatened species found in Canada are at risk because of steep declines in numbers (e.g., Monarch Butterflies, Silver-haired Bat). Others are threatened because they have small populations or ranges that make them vulnerable to extinction (e.g., Dwarf Lake Iris, Whooping Crane).
- Many globally threatened species will trigger Key Biodiversity Areas, and benefit from land protection and stewardship.
Recommended citation
Wildlife Conservation Society Canada [WCS Canada] (2024). SHAPE of Nature: Globally threatened species. Wildlife Conservation Society Canada [WCS Canada]. https://wcscanada.org/resources/shape-of-nature-globally-threatened-species/
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Metadata
- Title
- SHAPE of Nature: Globally threatened species
- URL
- https://wcscanada.org/resources/shape-of-nature-globally-threatened-species/
- Published
- 2024-01-01
- Author(s)
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada [WCS Canada]
- Publisher
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada [WCS Canada]
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