The Challenge
Canada is fortunate to be home to thousands of wildlife species and vast areas of land and water on which they depend. Unfortunately many of these species are in decline, due in part to human activities. There are currently over 600 species of plants and animals at risk of being lost from Canada. There isn’t any one culprit, but rather a combination of factors that are leading to species decline.
Thankfully, there is hope. Through the conservation efforts undertaken by all sectors of Canadian society, many species are doing better. The Canadian Wildlife Federation is proud to be part of the movement designed to bring a brighter future for Canadian wildlife.
Freshwater turtles as a whole are in decline throughout Canada. Of the eight freshwater turtles found in Canada, only one subspecies is stable. The remaining species are designated to be at varying degrees of endangerment.
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. The results of WNS are devastating with some Canadian populations down by 90 percent in only three years. 
Once extremely abundant throughout all tributaries to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the American eel has seen a dramatic population decline. In 2006, the presence of eels in these waters decreased by almost 90 per cent. As of 2007, this species has been listed as Endangered under the Ontario Endangered Species Act. 
Consecutive years of introducing ferrets that were bred in captivity have changed the fate of these animals. Previously extinct from Canada, there is now a Canadian population reproducing in the wild. Research is ongoing to monitor the health and survival of the colonies.
From an all-time low of only 21 of these birds the captive breeding and release has seen the wild population climb to 400. These impressive birds nest on the border of the Northwest Territories and Alberta, but make a yearly migration to the Texas Gulf Coast
These marmots were at an all-time low of only 30 individuals in 2003, but reintroduction of hundreds of captive bred young have increased this to over 300. Tracking these individuals is ongoing to discover the areas they are using on the Island and keep tabs on the population.
The Burrowing Owl is gone from Manitoba, and experts suggest it will disappear from the rest of Canada if nothing is done. Reintroducing birds into the wild is an essential step being taken and the ongoing research into best methods for captive breeding and release are giving these birds their best chance for survival.
Juvenile turtles often fall prey to predators so captive breeding (often called head-starting) is a common method to reduce early life mortality. But does it work? Research has investigated the best methods to carry this out and released thousands of baby turtles that may otherwise have never made it out of the nest.
Several of Canada’s freshwater mussels have a common problem – a low number of new individuals. Research into the host fish needed to rear juveniles and the conditions which they need has paved the way to be able to captive breed these species for reintroduction in the wild.
One step closer to wild than captive breeding, techniques and studies are happening to promote oysters to be grown in their natural setting with some human intervention. Research has found an artificial material that gives these oysters something to settle on and caging prevents them from being preyed upon.
Many Canadians were introduced to wildlife through the popular Hinterland Who’s Who series of television vignettes. First created in the early 1960s, Hinterland Who’s Who made bold use of a relatively new medium — black and white television — to reach the Canadian general public. Increasingly, we not only want to learn about nature, we also want to understand how each of us can play a part in preserving it. The Canadian Wildlife Federation, one of Canada’s largest nonprofit, nongovernmental conservation organizations, plays a lead role in showing Canadians how to take action and make a difference. Together, the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Federation are bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the rejuvenated Hinterland Who’s Who series and to the Canadian public.
Stunning photography. In-depth features. And important issues. Canadian Wildlife magazine celebrates the country’s unique wildlife and habitats, and explores the conservation issues affecting our natural world. Is it published six times per year and available in French as Biosphère magazine. For young readers, WILD magazine is jam-packed with fun wildlife stories, games and pictures for youngsters of all ages. It’s a great way to get the children in your life engaged in nature and share your passion for the outdoors. Published 6 times per year.
With topics relating to conservation, wildlife and habitat, we provide a relevant online learning platform, typically for grades four to six, but of benefit to any age. WILD Webinars are informative, engaging and just the right length at 20 to 30 minutes. Our Hinterland Who’s Who iconic species series is just one example of the quality content we have to share.
National Wildlife Week (NWW) is a major Canadian Wildlife Federation initiative designed to celebrate our country’s natural heritage and promote the cause of conservation in Canada. Proclaimed by Parliament in 1947, National Wildlife Week falls every year during the week of April 10 – the birthdate of the late Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada’s conservation movement. “Wild Goose Jack”, as he was known, is credited with saving the Canada Goose from extinction. Check in with CWF each year for information on great NWW events or plan your own activity to mark the occasion.
Take an active role in conservation. Download the iNaturalist app and become a citizen scientist. No matter where you are, you can use your iNaturalist app to record plants, animals and wildlife and share your discoveries. All our information becomes part of a national data base. Become a “citizen scientist” and look at wildlife in a whole new way!
