Species

Canada possesses significant biodiversity, with close to 80,000 plant and animal species, occurring in environments ranging from the desert to the arctic. Our natural wealth is the envy of many nations and is supported by a strong tradition of conservation and sustainable use. The richness of our biodiversity is under threat today due to factors such as climate change, habitat destruction, and novel diseases. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has assessed more than 801 plants and animals as being “at risk” in Canada, with another 41 considered extirpated or extinct. The following is a list of over 70 species for which ex situ management activities have been recommended in published Recovery Strategies. For the vast majority of these species, these actions are not currently being implemented. Further assessment following the IUCN’s Guidelines for the Use of Ex Situ Management may lead to recommendation for additional ex situ roles.