Media Release
December 1, 2009
Contact:
- Jon Hunter, Endangered Species Coalition: 202-476-0669
Paige Bonaker, Center for Native Ecosystems: 303-454-3340
Canada Lynx Named One of America’s Hottest Species
Global Warming Impacts on Endangered Species Focus of New Report
Denver, CO – The Canada lynx has been named one of America’s top ten endangered wildlife, birds, fish and plants impacted by global warming in a new report released today. The report, America’s Hottest Species, demonstrates ways that our changing climate is increasing the risk of extinction for eleven species around our country on the brink of disappearing forever.
“Global warming is like a bulldozer shoving species, already on the brink of extinction, perilously closer to the edge of existence,” said Leda Huta, executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “Polar bears, lynx, salmon, coral and many other endangered species are already feeling the heat. The species in this report are representative of all imperiled wildlife, plants and fish that are now facing an additional compounding threat to their survival and why we need to take action today to protect them.”
Canada Lynx In Need
Canada lynx numbers have declined throughout most of their range, with fewer than 1,000 estimated to be in the lower 48 states today. In the Southern Rocky Mountain region, and elsewhere, habitat loss and fragmentation from recreation, urban development, oil and gas drilling and road construction, among other things, are major threats to the continued existence of this rare and elusive species. Climate change could be especially devastating to Canada lynx as this species is dependent on high elevation habitat with cold, snowy winters in order to maintain a competitive advantage over other predators.
“The Southern Rockies may be very important to the Canada lynx in light of climate change,” said Paige Bonaker, staff biologist at Center for Native Ecosystems. “Preliminary results from climate change modeling indicate that the large amount of high elevation habitat found in the Southern Rockies could be an important refuge for lynx in the lower 48 states.” Center for Native Ecosystems is currently involved in litigation over the federal government’s failure to designate critical habitat in the Southern Rockies region. For more information about lynx biology and status in the Southern Rockies, please visit http://nativeecosystems.org/species/mammals/canada-lynx.
About the report
The report focuses on ten species, as well as an online poll winner, that are listed or being reviewed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The global warming threats to these species include increased disease, diminished reproduction, lost habitat, reduced food supply, and other impacts.
The highlighted species are:
- Kaua’i Creeper or Akikiki
- Elkhorn Coral
- Bull Trout
- Canada Lynx
- Pacific Salmon
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Grizzly Bear
- Bog Turtle
- Western Prairie Fringed Orchid
- Flatwoods Salamander
Activists’ Choice: Polar Bear
Safeguarding Species in a Warming World
“To help protect and restore endangered species, our nation must address the impacts global warming is already having and clean up the sources of global warming pollution,” said Huta. America’s Hottest Species calls for action from both Congress and the Obama Administration.
The full report, which includes information on each species and initial solutions, is available online at www.StopExtinction.org.
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