Lesson Thirty-Eight: Local Endangered Species
When I think of endangered species, I immediately think of tigers, polar bears, and elephants - essentially the poster animals of climate change.
But have you ever thought of the Great Basin Spadefoot Frog?
Or how about the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike?
If you’re like me, chances are you probably haven’t thought of the hundreds of Canadian species at risk. However, there are many and I’d love to shed some light on them. ✨
But first, a few questions to get us warmed up.
Impacts on Wildlife
Main takeaway: HUMANS ARE 👏PUSHING 👏 WILDLIFE 👏 OUT
As the human population grows, development increases and spreads to satisfy our wants & needs.
The mere presence of people can cause some species to abandon certain habitats or prevent them from breeding successfully.
Most Vulnerable
Bats
A disease known as White-nose Syndrome has wiped out millions of bats in North America. In addition to this, they face habitat loss, pesticide use and evictions from roost sites - which further burdens stressed populations.
Monarch Butterfly
These iconic butterflies are in steep decline across North America. They are threatened by deforestation, disruptions to their migration caused by climate change, and the loss of native plants (like milkweed).
Caribou
Warmer temperatures (aka climate change) mean that predators are able to live further north. It also means the timing of when Arctic ice melts and freezes is changing. Since caribou use ice to travel, these changes affect their migration patterns and access to food.
American Eels
They are threatened by overfishing, loss of access to habitat, mortality due to hydro-electric turbines, and more. As a result, they are experiencing drastic population declines - a decrease of more than 99% in Ontario.
On that list also belongs:
Pollinators (aka Bees)
Most Freshwater Turtles
Most Salmon
Barn Owls
North Atlantic Right Whale
Northern Leopard Frog
Western Chorus Frog
Sea Otters (but they’re making a comeback)
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
🤓 Continue to educate yourself! The fact that you’re here is a great start! I also love to recommend The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert - it gives a great overview of what’s happening to the planet and the many species on it (including humans).
👀 Learn about the endangered species in your area and keep an eye out.
💵 If you’re able to donate, look to donate locally or nationally (eg. Canadian Wildlife Federation).
Any questions about the lesson today? About protecting wildlife in your area? I’m here for you!
