BC’s Endangered Species
British Columbia is the most biologically diverse province in Canada, with two dozen unique mammal species in an array of habitats, according to the Sierra Club. While this is worthy of celebration, the fact that the province has hundreds of species and ecosystems at risk, and still lacks a law to protect endangered species, is not.
Sierra Club reports that there are at least1,600 endangered species in BC including the chocolate-eyed spotted owl, mountain caribou and marbled murrelet. Yet only 5% of these endangered species are legally protected. Without legal protection their habitats face threats from urban sprawl, development, pollution, the introduction of exotic species and deforestation.
However, hope was offered May 31, 2010 when a Legislature Bill was put forward including legal tools which would mean that BC’s threatened wildlife is finally protected. Sierra Club reveals that on June 10, 2010, the B.C. government established a Species At Risk Task Force with ten members who are to report to cabinet by the end of 2010.
Sierra Club BC has recently been targeting municipal governments in order to gain their support on this important issue. So far, 13 municipalities have signed on including Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Whistler, Abbotsford and Victoria. More are needed.
Now, Sierra Club BC is lobbying the BC government to follow Ontario’s lead and pass stand-alone legislation to solve the mishmash of regulations and laws intended to save endangered species and their habitats.
Step One of vulnerable species and ecosystems preservation is largely complete says Environment Canada. Tracking lists have been created which help identify which species and ecosystems are the most vulnerable and provide the basis for the Ministry of Environment’s Red and Blue lists. Placing animals and habitats on these lists flags them as being at risk and requiring investigation. Now we need legislation to protect the species.
If you’d like to help, Sierra Club has a section on their website listing What You Can Do.
Tags: BC, Blue list, ecosystems, endangered, legislation, Ministry of Environment, preservation, Red List, Sierra Club, species, Species at Risk
Vanishing Birds
The Alaotra Grebe of Madagascar is the latest addition to a growing list of extinct bird species. According to The Guardian, the Wetland bird was driven to extinction primarily due to the introduction of non-native carnivorous fish into their waters. Fishermen also played a role in the extinction, as nylon gill-nets have drowned countless Grebes. The Guardian suggests that there is a downward trend in wildlife protection, as the total number of extinct bird species since the year 1600 has now reached 132, with 1,240 bird species currently facing the threat of extinction. Introduced species, pollution, and drainage of coastal wetlands are among the leading causes.
BirdLife International is behind the Alaotra Grebe announcement in the 2010 IUCN Red List update for birds. They suggest that the extinction of the Grebe “is another example of how human actions can have unforeseen consequences.” Fragile wetlands are in a dangerous position as human development has caused the migration of invasive plant/animal species away from polluted habitats and dangerous environments.
One wetland bird species that’s suffering is Cuba’s Zapata Rail, which is being threatened by introduced mongooses and exotic fish. The only nest of this bird that has ever been found was discovered by a Caribbean ornithologist named James Bond, who reputedly was the source for Ian Fleming’s famous spy’s name.
The good news is that human practices can be made positive, and a strong commitment to conservation can save endangered species. The proof is in the Red List update, which shows that species such as the yellow-eared parrot have been helped through programs that educate local communities on proper conservation practices.
Photo Courtesy of National Zoo
Moreover, the birth of two rare White-Naped Cranes last month at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute marked a ray of hope for endangered birds. Once again, the National Zoo shows that it is committed to saving endangered species through science and conservation efforts such as captive breeding which increases the genetic viability of bird populations that would otherwise have been lost forever. Captive breeding can be a valuable key to saving endangered species.
It is imperative that people reform their actions and take responsibility through conservation efforts, for constructive human actions can make for positive outcomes.
Tags: Alaotra Grebe, Birdlife International, birds, IUCN, National Zoo, Red List, White-Naped Crane, Zapata Rail
