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Tag: habitat

  • A Bad Deal for the American Eel

    A Bad Deal for the American Eel

    Once extremely abundant throughout all tributaries to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the American eel has seen a dramatic population decline. In 2006, the presence of eels in these waters decreased by almost 90 per cent. As of 2007, this species has been listed as Endangered under the Ontario Endangered Species Act.

    This dramatic population decline can be attributed to several factors, including the creation of hydroelectric dams, reduced access to habitat imposed by manmade barriers to upstream migration, general habitat destruction and alteration and commercial harvesting. The construction of dams threaten the American eel species in two ways: they result in habitat fragmentation and loss as they make it much more difficult for adult eels to migrate back to the ocean to spawn, and hydroelectric turbines contribute to higher injury and mortality rates of juvenile eels swimming downstream (depending on the size of the eels and the design of the turbines).

    The Canadian Wildlife Federation, in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Algonquins of Ontario and the Arnprior Fish and Game Club, have been tracking and tagging American eels in the Ottawa River since 2007. Previous work has been successful not only in determining which methods and locations are best for capturing eels, but also in documenting movement patterns and collecting data on habitat preferences and downstream migration timing. Currently the project aims to build on the knowledge gained in the first studies of eel movement and use this information to develop strategies for American eel recovery in the Ottawa River.

    On a section of the Ottawa River from Chats Falls dam to Chenaux dam, researchers are busily working to tag and track eels to monitor downstream migration patterns, determining if and when eels move past the Chats Falls dam. They are also monitoring upstream migration by installing temporary eel ladders at three barriers on tributaries to the Lac des Chats section of the Ottawa River. These ladders will be fitted with a trap at the upstream end, and eels that migrate up them and are trapped will be tagged and re-released downstream. If the eels are captured often enough, this will confirm to researchers that eels are indeed attempting migration through these routes and can provide important information about the barriers that may prevent later out-migration.

    Another important aspect of this project is the public awareness campaign that aims to educate people on the American eel and its importance in the ecology of the Ottawa River. This part of the project will be carried out through activities that increase local knowledge of the American eel, encourage the public to report eel sightings and discourage anglers from killing eels caught accidentally. Members of the public will also be invited to observe eel capture and tagging activities.

    The long-term goal is to re-establish a safe migration route for American eels in collaboration with local communities and hydroelectric producers. The ultimate goal is to see a future where the eel population is once again increasing in the Lac des Chats and adjacent sections of the Ottawa River.

  • Endangered Animals of Canada

    Endangered Animals of Canada

    The vast, wondrous beauty of Canada is enriched with incredibly diverse wildlife. From the smallest insect to the largest mammal, the country proudly hosts some of the most beautiful creatures on the planet. But with great beauty comes great responsibility, and as the dominate species on the planet we have been charged with the task of caring for these animals. There have been times throughout history when we as a people failed in this and a species was lost. Today, despite watch groups and dedicated scientists, our wildlife continues to disappear. At present there are over 600 animals and plants in the At Risk Public Registry.

    We are considered to be living during a time of great threat to our wildlife. Never before has there been so many humans populating the world and our activity is continually threatening the ecosystems and upsetting the balance of nature. We build shopping centres, residential developments and parking lots all the while not paying much attention to the habitats that are destroyed in the process.

    There are five different classifications that the Government of Canada uses to keep track of this growing problem:
    Extinct –a species that no longer exists in Canada or elsewhere.
    Extirpated – a species that no longer exists in Canada’s wild but lives elsewhere in the world.
    Endangered – a species that may become extinct or extirpated.
    Threatened – a species at risk of endangerment in Canada if the nothing is done to stop the problem.
    Vulnerable – a species, who because of declining numbers (or other reasons), is at risk.

    Nine species are currently extinct in Canada: Dawson’s Caribou, Sea Mink, Great Auk, Labrador Duck, Passenger Pigeon, Deep-water Cisco, Longjaw Cisco, Banff Longnose Dace, and the Blue Walleye.

    The Woodland Caribou is on the endangered list because of the destruction of the Boreal Forests. The Golden Eagle lives in Ontario but is endangered because of loss of habitat. Chemical dumping in the ocean has put the Killer Whale on the list as well. Pollution has killed so many Spotted Turtles that they too are now on the list. Amphibians represent the largest animal group threatened with endangerment and extinction. One third of the world’s population of amphibians are threatened and, if they were to become extinct, it would be an event as epic as the loss of dinosaur life on the planet.

    A common factor in all of these creatures is the fingerprint of humanity. More must be done to protect Canada’s wildlife. In 2003 the Species at Risk Act was introduced, and yet many delays in implementing the Act have had a direct impact on threatened species. Awareness plus action is the only hope for our vulnerable, threatened and endangered species.