Species and Ecosystems at Risk
Manitoba is home to many animal and plant species and ecosystems, all of which are a part of our natural heritage. Some of these species and ecosystems are rare in Manitoba.
Manitoba was also the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce legislation for the protection of ecosystems at risk.
Possible causes for the decline and loss of species and ecosystems include:
To find out more information about the Act, click here.
Manitoba was also the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce legislation for the protection of ecosystems at risk.
Possible causes for the decline and loss of species and ecosystems include:
- Habitat loss and degradation due to human activity.
- Alien invasive species out-competing native ones.
- The earth’s changing climate.
- It is unlawful to kill, injure, possess, disturb or interfere with the species.
- Destroy, disturb or interfere with the habitat of the species.
- Damage, destroy, obstruct or remove a natural resource on which the species depends for its life and propagation.
- Endangered or threatened ecosystems are protected.
To find out more information about the Act, click here.
Interactive Map
The SLWD and Green Aero Tech have worked together to create an interactive map of the Species at Risk within the Swan Lake Watershed District boundary.
You can find out more information such as the name, status, and a picture about the animal or plant that may be in your area of interest. Come into the office to find out more! |
Sample of the Interactive Map.
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4 Categories of Species
Under Manitoba’s Endangered Species and Ecosystems Act, species are designated in one of four categories:
- Extirpated species are species that were once native to Manitoba, but have disappeared throughout all of their former range in Manitoba.
- Endangered species are species that are at risk of disappearing throughout all, or most, of their Manitoba range.
- Threatened species are species that are likely to become endangered due to low or declining numbers in Manitoba.
- Species of Special Concern are those species that are at risk of becoming threatened or endangered.
2 Categories of Ecosystems
Under Manitoba’s Endangered Species and Ecosystems Act, ecosystems are designated in one of two categories:
- Endangered ecosystems are ecosystems whose continued success is at serious risk of loss in Manitoba.
- Threatened ecosystems are those ecosystems at risk of becoming endangered.
What can you do?
If you are working on land or have stumbled across land that you think may have species and ecosystems at risk, having a plan can help minimize potential harm. You can do the following:
Additional Resources on Species at Risk:
Species at Risk Public Registry - www.sararegistry.gc.ca
Manitoba Conservation Data Centre - www.manitoba.ca/sd/environment_and_biodiversity/cdc/index.html
Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation - www.mhhc.mb.ca
NatureServe - www.natureserve.org
Nature Conservancy Canada - www.natureconservancy.ca
Internation Union for Conservation of Nature - www.iucn.org
- Conduct work outside of the breeding season and other sensitive periods.
- Move your work away from sensitive habitats.
- Learn more about the species and ecosystems and how to reduce negative effects
Additional Resources on Species at Risk:
Species at Risk Public Registry - www.sararegistry.gc.ca
Manitoba Conservation Data Centre - www.manitoba.ca/sd/environment_and_biodiversity/cdc/index.html
Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation - www.mhhc.mb.ca
NatureServe - www.natureserve.org
Nature Conservancy Canada - www.natureconservancy.ca
Internation Union for Conservation of Nature - www.iucn.org