Our supporters know that much of our endangered species recovery work once took place overseas, where our track record includes helping to save three critically endangered species – the Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Kestrel, and Echo Parakeet – from almost certain extinction.

Over time, however, more and more of our work has shifted to Canada.  Why?  The need here is greater than ever. Over two hundred of Canada’s native terrestrial animal species are now considered at risk, and the number is growing every year.  In 2010, we responded with the creation of our Conservation Action Plan, a scientifically driven, forward looking plan which identifies the species most in need of Wildlife Preservation Canada’s aid.

Identifying Target Species

Wildlife Preservation Canada’s Conservation Action Plan is based on a scientific survey, conducted annually, of Canada’s  federal and provincial Species At Risk databases.  We review all published species recovery plans for terrestrial species (amphibians, birds, insects, mammals and reptiles) that are listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened and identify those which call for some form of direct human intervention beyond habitat protection.  The resulting list of species is then grouped into three categories based on the urgency of need.  Species for which mature, appropriate intervention programs are already being carried out by other organizations, such as the peregrine falcon, Vancouver Island marmot and whooping crane, are removed from WPC’s priority list. 

The ‘Waiting List’

The updated 2011 priority list includes 45 species.  Species shown in italics are those which WPC has worked with recently or plans to work with in 2012.  The rest are on our ‘waiting list’.  Our goal is to address each of them as funding and program partners become available.