Canadian Endangered Animals

Canada is no exception to the rapid development activities undertaken by man. For better living-standards and prosperity, man has gone on a rampage to destroy the wildlife. Over-fishing in the sea-waters, and deforestation and encroachment of lands for agricultural use has created problems for the Canadian endangered animals.

Here, we discuss about some Canadian endangered animals:

Bobolink: It is a native bird of North America. It is a white and black bird living in the grasslands. It feeds on seeds and insects. Loss of habitat and fragmentation of agricultural lands have made it an endangered animal. Moreover, use of pesticides has exposed them to threats from harmful chemicals, and they are shot by the farmers who consider them as a nuisance to their crops.

Rusty-Patched Bumblebee: It has acquired its name from the rust-colored patch on the midsection of its body. They are commonly found throughout Canada and in the upper Midwestern parts of the United States. Deforestation and logging industry has caused the destruction of their natural habitat, which has led to their becoming endangered animals.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle: They are found throughout the world, and have registered losses in population worldwide. They get entangled in fishing nets, which is a major cause of their endangerment. In Canada, coastal fishing has caused a decline in their numbers. Moreover, marine pollution has added to their problem. To safeguard them, national animal laws have been enacted and International treaties and agreements have been reached.

Mississauga: It is one of Canada's most venomous reptiles, which frighten people. It is also known as eastern Mississauga rattlesnake, and is found only in the state of Ontario. It is generally a non-aggressive creature, but is killed by people out of fright. Rattlers at the end of its tail make it easily recognizable as a venomous snake.

North Atlantic Right Whale: It is one of the most endangered marine animals in the world. According to Canadian Wildlife Federation, only about 300 whales were alive in 2004. The enactment of protective hunting laws has caused their numbers to increase marginally.

Leatherback Turtle: They are mainly tropical, open-sea animal species. They are found in the northern Atlantic Ocean. It is estimated that 30,000 to 40,000 of them are left, but are killed at the rate of 20 to 30 percent annually. They have become endangered animals because their number is decreasing as they get entangled in the fishing nets. In addition to it, they are killed with harpoons out of curiosity. Moreover, their eggs are collected for human consumption, which has made their existence difficult.

In the same way, many other animals such as Acadian Whitefish, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Peregrine Falcon, Sea Otter, Brindled Mad tom, Short head Sculpin, etc. are facing threat to their life, and have become Canadian endangered animals.

Therefore, Canadian Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Federation have initiated steps to safeguard the endangered animals in its territory. Several laws regarding the protection of land and aquatic animals have been enacted by the Canadian government. Many wildlife organizations are actively involved for the cause of the endangered animals.