AT RISK SPECIES IN CANADA
The Issue
ASSIGNMENT
You are probably familiar with a wide variety of animals, plants, and other
organisms that are native to Ontario. Many of these species, such as moose,
beaver, and white birch have large, healthy populations. However, not all species
are this fortunate. There are currently more than 180 species considered “At Risk”
in Ontario. Each of these has populations that are in decline or are experiencing
significant environmental threats.
What does ‘At Risk” mean?
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)
compiles data on various species. When the population of a species falls below a
certain number, it is placed into one of the four At Risk categories below:
Extirpated: When a species no longer exists in a specific area but still lives
elsewhere.
Endangered: A species is in imminent danger of becoming extinct or extirpated
Threatened: Species is likely to become endangered if current treads and
conditions continue
Special Concern: Species may become threatened or endangered because of a
combination of factors.
The Goal
Inform the Canadian public about an “At Risk” species and suggest ways to increase
the population of that species and eliminate the risk of extinction.
Gather Information
www.sararegistry.gc.ca/
 Click English
 Click ‘Species List’ under Our Approach on the left side of the page
 You can click: View Schedule 1 OR View Schedule 2 OR View Schedule 3
 Pick a species and inform Ms. Barros
You will need to gather specific information about your species to come up with an
adequate recommendation on what should be done. You need to provide the
following information found in the rubric.
DUE DATE: FRI. MAY 24th, 2013
Communicate
You will prepare your plan of action in one of the following ways:
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7.
Poster Advertisement - Bright, colourful, clear text and pictures, eye catching
Brochure - brochure formatting, clear text, pictures
Power point presentation – Professional looking, clear text, pictures
Story book - children’s book, clear text, big pictures, easy to read
Poem, rap or a song - Include CD case with booklet relating to song
Newspaper Article - Newspaper format - i.e. columns, pictures, etc.
Magazine Article - Include magazine cover relating to your topic, should look like a
typical magazine article with clear font and pictures
Evaluation Criteria
Category
Knowledge
Application
Thinking
Communication
Criteria
Name of species, including scientific name
Picture of the species
Physical description of the species
2 interesting facts about the species
Ecological Niche:
Main diet of the species (What does it eat?)
Place in the food chain (herbivore, carnivore,
etc.?)
Predators
Description of habitat - Describe the
ecosystem (biotic and abiotic conditions)
Geographical distribution -In which biome(s)
are they found?
At Risk classification
Three reasons why your species is at risk
What is being done to save your species?
3 examples (Organizations, government)
Suggest three ways that individuals can help
reduce the human impact on their population
Information is presented in proper format
Neat, care is taken, colourful
Few flaws in spelling and grammar
At least 2 references
References included in proper MLA format
Beware of Plagarism!
Marks
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3
Do your research, jot down rough notes then put it into
your own words!
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