A recent study examining the wildlife on Prince Edward Island reveals that 60 percent of species are stable, while the remaining 40 percent are facing potential extinction risks. The province’s forests, fish, and wildlife division has been tasked with producing the State of Wildlife Report since 1997. The latest report, covering the period from 2007 to 2020, assessed over 5,600 wild species across P.E.I.
Wildlife biologist Mathew Ginn, involved in the report, highlighted that this survey monitored a significantly larger number of species compared to the previous report in 2010, including non-native species. While raccoon, coyote, and fox populations are thriving, concerns exist regarding bird species like piping plovers and bobolinks.
Ginn expressed that observing species nearing extinction levels is worrisome, but it also creates opportunities for other wildlife to thrive. He mentioned the natural cycles affecting fox populations, citing historical impacts from sarcoptic mange. Despite this, the report suggests that the fox population remains stable.
The rise in fur animal numbers is attributed to reduced trapping activities, which can lead to imbalances within ecosystems. Ginn emphasized that an overabundance of predators can negatively impact prey species, citing examples from other regions where raccoons affect waterfowl populations by consuming eggs.
Efforts are underway to expand protected wildlife areas on the island, with only 4.5 percent of P.E.I. currently designated for wildlife conservation, aiming to reach a target of seven percent. The next wildlife report is scheduled for publication in 2033.
