Extinct: a wildlife species that no longer exists

Are harbour seals at risk? Photo: Mike Baird

Kristine Berey

March 2009

In the last 500 years, since the first European settlers began to arrive, over 30 species of wildlife have become extinct in Canada. Currently over 30 plant and animal species are considered to be “at risk” in this country, meaning they may disappear forever unless something is done to improve their chances of survival.

It is estimated that at least 13 of our plant and animal species have become extinct on the planet and at least 20 others are no longer found in Canada. Climate change, industrialization, pollution and the consequential destruction of the environment are some of the threats to the Earth’s biodiversity.

At this time, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is in the process of deciding whether the harbour seal population of Lacs des Loups Marins (Ungava Peninsula) should be legally protected under the Species at Risk Act.

Isolated for at least 3,000 years from harbour seals that live in the ocean, this particular populationmay number as few as 100 individuals. In the past their numbers declined because of hunting, but now hydroelectric development of their habitat is the major threat they face.

When a species is declared to be at risk, legal measures may be implemented to limit encroaching development and effortsmay be under- taken to encourage the population to thrive.

The public is invited to have a say in the fate of the harbour seals of Lacs des Loups Marins. You may comment on whether you believe these animals should qualify for protection. To do so, or for more information on species at risk, visit www.sararegistry.gc.ca or call 877-775-0848 before March 31.