Explore threats to wildlife.

Indicators for this outcome
(a) Identify Saskatchewan and Canadian wildlife species that are extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened or a species of concern.
(b) Investigate provincial and federal measures used to determine if a species or population is endangered.
(c) Discuss factors that affect wildlife populations within selected ecoregions of Saskatchewan and Canada, such as habitat loss, climate change, commercial harvest and disease.
(d) Examine strategies used to bring at-risk wildlife populations back to healthy levels.
(e) Investigate the impact that industrial activity (e.g., mining, hydroelectric, forestry and agriculture) has on ecosystems and wildlife populations.
(f) Research the impact of invasive animal species (e.g., wild boars) and aquatic species (e.g., zebra mussels) on local wildlife.
(g)

Investigate diseases that are a threat to Saskatchewan wildlife, such as:

  • anthrax;
  • avian influenza and newcastle disease in birds;
  • brainworm or moose sickness in cervids;
  • chronic wasting disease;
  • ticks and tick-borne diseases; and,
  • viral hemorrhagic septicemia in fish.
(h) Explain the relationship between stressed wildlife habitats and zoonosis (i.e., unhealthy habitat leads to prevalence and mutation of wildlife disease).
(i) Explore how wildlife can become a vector for transmission of diseases to humans (e.g., rabies, lyme disease, West Nile virus and coronavirus disease).
(j) Explain the significance of biodiversity in preventing disease.
(k) Investigate the role of public and private organizations, including wildlife sanctuaries and rescue facilities, in mitigating threats to wildlife.
(l) Examine different levels of wildlife protection legislation (i.e., provincial and federal) and their connection to non-profit organizations.
(m) Explain how the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) influences legislation.
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