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Habitat and Wildlife

How do I affect habitat and wildlife?

Canada is the second largest country in the world, and is home to many globally important ecosystems, including 25 per cent of the world's wetlands and boreal forests. Canada is also home to approximately 70 000 known wild species of plants and animals, of which more than 500 are listed as being Species At Risk in Canada. The regions with the most endangered or threatened species are those in which humans have had the greatest impact on the environment. Human activities that result in environmental contamination, over-harvesting and excessive trade, climate change and the presence of invasive species are major threats to species and their habitats.

How do habitat and wildlife affect me?

The loss of or change in species and habitat can threaten ecosystem health and biodiversity, which affect our economic and socio-cultural sustainability. Biodiversity is crucial because ecosystems perform functions that are essential to human existence, such as oxygen and soil production and water purification. Biodiversity also provides us with food, clothing and medicine.

How do habitat and wildlife affect the environment?

When habitat and species are lost, biodiversity decreases, resulting in ecosystems that are less stable, are more vulnerable to extreme events and have weakened natural cycles. The naturally occurring results of a healthy ecosystem– such as clean water and air, maintenance of critical nutrient cycles, flood control, pest control and pollination of crops– could be jeopardized as a result of a decrease in biodiversity.

How can I make a difference?

There are simple things you can do to protect biodiversity and conserve habitat and wildlife in your area and around the world. Learn as much as you can about species at risk by exploring your natural surroundings and promoting biodiversity in your own backyard, or by visiting one of Canada’s National Parks. You can also reduce waste, prevent pollution and conserve energy to protect species and habitat and, at the same time, reduce your contribution to climate change and its effect on habitat.