At Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC), our mission extends beyond just protecting the natural beauty of our surroundings; we are committed to preserving biodiversity for future generations. As part of our newly refreshed Conservation Strategy, we have been introducing the shared goals of APC as a leader in conservation. As the second in our series, we explore one of the most urgent and important goals in our conservation strategy: Preventing Species Extinctions.

The loss of species is an escalating crisis driven by habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation. In the face of these challenges, it’s critical that we take action now to halt, or reverse, species’ declines. The key to our strategy is proactive management, focused on preserving the habitats essential for the survival of threatened species, and supporting the recovery of populations in peril. 

Volunteers, and partners undertake field work as part of the Poweshiek Skipperling recovery program (Photos: A. Westphal). 

The Conservation and Research department at APC has focused on several signature programs, including our involvement in the preservation of species that are unique to our region, like the Poweshiek Skipperling. The Poweshiek Skipperling, a small and rare butterfly, has experienced dramatic population declines. Since 2017, we have worked tirelessly with a team of local, regional, and international partners to restore native tallgrass prairie habitat and ensure the survival of this delicate species. Each year, we contribute to the conservation of this critically endangered species by rearing caterpillars in human care and releasing adult butterflies back into the wild.  We also work with partners to manage and survey habitat in the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve and contribute to larger management goals for this species. 

Conservation Technician Kirstyn Eckhardt undertakes a survey of the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve (photo: L. Burns) 

The Manitoba Mudpuppy, a species of salamander found in specific freshwater habitats of Manitoba, is also facing significant threats. Recently recommended for listing under the Species at Risk Act, pollution and habitat disruption have led to a decline in mudpuppy populations. APC, alongside provincial partners, is involved in efforts to monitor Manitoba Mudpuppy populations through the use of eDNA techniques.

Image 1: Using specialized equipment, we can collect and filter environmental DNA water samples at the same time! These tools also reduce the risk of contamination of our samples and allow us to collect our samples without having to permanently remove water from the river or lake. Photo by B. L. Keber.

Image 2: Conservation Specialist Brooklynne Keber gathers water samples for eDNA research in Manitoba’s rivers along with Conservation Technician Cailin Hesketh-Jost (Photo: K. Smith).

Additionally, APC is proud to be part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs. Through our partnerships within the AZA network, we help to coordinate efforts that support the long-term survival of numerous species facing extinction threats. Assiniboine Park Zoo is proud to be a member of several SAFE programs, including SAFE North American Songbirds, SAFE Snow Leopard, SAFE Red Panda, and SAFE North American Bison. The Conservation team is also a founding member of the newly formed SAFE Prairie Butterfly, which contributes to the conservation of Poweshiek Skipperling, Dakota Skipper, and Mitchell’s Satyr butterflies. Our involvement in SAFE programs allows us to contribute to a larger, global conservation effort, ensuring that our local actions are part of a worldwide network working to save species across the globe.

At Assiniboine Park Conservancy, conservation is at the heart of everything we do—and we know that lasting change starts with awareness, action, and collaboration. That’s why we’re deeply committed to community engagement and education. When people understand the importance of protecting wildlife, they’re more empowered to make choices that support a healthier planet. We want to inspire individuals to take action in their own communities, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.

A female Poweshiek Skipperling rests in the early morning dew after laying eggs that will become the next generation of her species (photo: K. Eckhardt)

At Assiniboine Park Conservancy, we believe that preventing species extinctions is a shared responsibility, and we’re committed to doing our part. With science, passion, and partnership, we’re building a future where wildlife can thrive. 

Take Action:

• Take action in your area. Here is a list of 10 easy actions you can do to save endangered species. 
• Plant a diverse garden with native plant species. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides to support an array of native pollinators.  
• Consider your local watershed. Our actions locally, by limiting the use of fertilizers and run off, can have positive impacts on species near and far through our connected waterways.  
• Volunteer with a local organization. Many local conservation initiatives need people to help them achieve their goals, including Assiniboine Park. Volunteering helps build community while supporting local conservation initiatives. 
• You can directly support our Wildlife Conservation Fund. Funds raised help us to prevent species extinctions and train the next generation of conservation scientists. More information can be found on our website. 

This is part of a four-part series about our Conservation strategies. Learn more about our first strategy theme: Understanding the Changing Arctic