We have developed a three-tiered approach to species selection, with the goal of ensuring that the highest priority Canadian species will be represented in the Earth BioGenome Project and that those species most benefitting from a whole genome resource will be prioritized for sequencing. A number of expert panels have been established to help determine candidate species lists and rankings for genomic sequencing and aid in the identification of suitable material for DNA and RNA extraction. The scientists involved have volunteered their time for this undertaking. We recognize that there is a large body of biological expertise in Canada and the establishment of these committees cannot be considered an exhaustive process. If feel you have relevant expertise and would like to contribute to any of these committees, please contact us . Currently the most comprehensive listing and conservation assessment of multicellular species in Canada is represented by the Wild Species 2015 report generated by the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council and the National General Status working group, which identifies over 21,500 species.
Cultural significance
At-risk and requiring or already subject to some form of management regime
Of particular scientific interest
An essential component in a local, regional or the national economy
Dr. Joanna Freeland
Trent University
Dr. Robb Bennett
Royal BC Museum
Dr. David Green
Simon Fraser University
Dr. Leonard Foster
University of British Columbia
Ildiko Szabo
Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Dr. Kathleen Conlan
Dr. Jean-Marc Gagnon
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canadian Museum of Nature
Dr. Virginie Roy
Dr. Annie Mercier
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Memorial University
Dr. Eric Taylor
Dr. Cathryn Abbott
University of British Columbia
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dr. James Wasmuth
University of Calgary
Dr. Paul Hebert
University of Guelph
Dr. Kim Cuddington
University of Waterloo
Dr. Sean Graham
University of British Columbia
Dr. Jessica Allen
Dr. Troy McMullin
Eastern Washington University
Canadian Museum of Nature
Dr. Mark Engstrom
Royal Ontario Museum
Dr. Timothy Green
Vancouver Island University
Dr. Jillian Detwiler
University of Manitoba
Dr. Paul Galpern
University of Calgary
Dr. Alastair Simpson
Dalhousie University
Dr. Pamela Rutherford
Dr. Jacqueline Litzgus
Brandon University
Laurentian University
Dr. John Reynolds
Dr. Erin Cameron
New Brunswick Museum
St. Mary’s University
Dr. James Wasmuth
University of Calgary
Dr. Gary Saunders
University of New Brunswick
Canada possesses significant biodiversity, with ~80,000 plant and animal species in environments ranging from desert to the arctic. Many of these species are under threat due to rapid changes in climate and other human-led impacts on our environment.
The 2015 federal Wild Species report, which assessed ~27,500 Canadian species, identified ~6 per cent (1,659 species) as “May Be at Risk” in Canada
As of 2017-18, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada’s (COSEWIC) assessments included 771 wildlife species in various risk categories; 18 assessed as extinct.
Assessments by Indigenous Peoples in Canada also reflect systemic change— Inuit report declining abundance, health and populations in several species.