The Canadian Species Initiative, a collaboration between Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) and African Lion Safari, promotes a One Plan Approach to species conservation by integrating the full spectrum of population management techniques, from in situ (wild) to ex situ (captive). The One Plan Approach fosters an environment of inclusivity, participation, and enhanced collaboration amongst conservation partners, which can include Indigenous communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, researchers, and other interested parties. By working together, we can increase our collective conservation impact, improving outcomes for species in need.

The Canadian Species Initiative aims to improve recovery chances for species-at-risk by using this well-rounded planning approach that includes consideration of ex situ management options. This effort is backed by WPC’s expertise in conservation research and hands-on wildlife initiatives. So where will this take us? WPC’s work is directed in part by our Conservation Action Plan that identifies Canadian species-at-risk that require hands-on intervention for recovery. As such, these species will benefit from the One Plan Approach.

Learn about conservation actions required and fun facts on species that are of a shared interest between the Canadian Species Initiative and WPC. Some of these species could be our next recovery programs!

Rusty-patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis)

  • Status: Endangered in Canada
  • Potential Actions Required: Conservation breeding, Reintroduction. WPC’s pollinator team is currently developing these methods for the less threatened, but closely related, Yellow-banded Bumble Bee (Bombus terricola) that can potentially be used for the Rusty-patched Bumble Bee in the future.
  • Fun Fact: Due to their short tongues, Rusty-patched Bumble Bees pierce a hole through the back of flowers to access nectar in a behaviour called “nectar-robbing.

Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)

  • Status: Threatened in Canada
  • Potential Actions Required: Demographic Manipulation
  • Fun Fact: These turtles are known as “stinkpots” due to the musky odour excreted as a defense mechanism against predators.

Small-mouthed Salamander (Ambystoma texanum)

  • Status: Endangered in Canada
  • Potential Actions Required: Reinforcement, Demographic Manipulation, Reintroduction, Assisted Colonization
  • Fun Fact: Females are able to lay up to 700 eggs every spring, distributing smaller clusters onto rocks or vegetation submerged underwater.

Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)

  • Status: Endangered in Canada
  • Potential Actions Required: Reinforcement, Reintroduction
  • Fun Fact: During the breeding season, a male will attract the attention of a female by running after her with wings raised and jumping into the air singing.

Ermine (haidarum subspecies) (Mustela erminea haidarum)

  • Status: Threatened in Canada
  • Potential Actions Required: Reinforcement
  • Fun Fact: In the summer this species is primarily brown in colour with a white underbelly and toes, while in the winter this species turns completely white with black colouring on the tip of its tail.

Photo credits:

Rusty-patched Bumble Bee – USFWS Midwest Region / Wikimedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rusty_Patched_Bumble_Bee_(43003882235).jpg

Eastern Musk Turtle – Ontley / Wikimedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stinkpot_Turtle.jpg)

Small-mouthed Salamander – Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago / Wikimedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ambystoma_texanum_168277250.jpg)

Vesper Sparrow – Cephas/ Wikimedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pooecetes_gramineus_GNP_02.jpg)

Ermine – Steve Hillebrand, USFWS / Wikimedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mustela_erminea.jpg)

Stephanie Winton, the Canadian Species Initiative Coordinator gives a travelogue presentation on her experience working on reptile conservation projects in Mauritius as the 31st Canada’s New Noah.

Stephanie Winton, the Canadian Species Initiative Coordinator gives a travelogue presentation on her experience working on reptile conservation projects in Mauritius as the 31st Canada’s New Noah.

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