Environmental Trends 2007

Species Conservation

Changes in the Conservation Status of Animals and Plants in British Columbia

In 1992, the B.C. Conservation Data Centre published its first red list of provincially threatened or endangered species. Since then, changes made to the conservation ranking of species have often been due to improved classification methods or knowledge, and not necessarily because of any actual change in the outlook for that species. Recent B.C. research (reported below) provides a better idea of actual changes in conservation status.

Percentage of B.C. species at risk in each group that have improved or deteriorated by at least one conservation rank between the dates shown.

Source: Quayle et al. 2007.

• Since 1992, the number of species of mammals and freshwater fish at risk with ‘deteriorating’ conservation status (their status changed at least one conservation status category for the worse) outnumbered the species with ‘improving’ status.

• Since 1996, the number of plant species on the provincial red list ranking as ‘deteriorating’ in conservation status, outnumbered those that ranked as ‘improving’.

• The number of breeding bird species with ‘improving’ status roughly equalled those deemed to be ‘deteriorating’. About a third of the ‘improving’ bird species are recent immigrants extending their range into B.C. from outside the provincial borders.

• All marine mammals either stayed the same or improved in status. This is because many are still recovering from historically low numbers, as measures to protect them take effect.

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth Report [pdf].

Next: Species on the British Columbia red list >>