Conservation of Wild Life in Canada

Abstract

IN spite of the energy with which the Canadians are devoting themselves to the prosecution of the war and its successful conclusion, the necessity of conserving our natural resources is not being forgotten. Not the least important of these resources is the wild life of the Dominion. The economic value of the wild life to the country is fully realised by the Canadian Government. On this account it is taking steps to conserve, while it is still able to do so, the wild life upon which many of its economic interests depend. The necessity of greater protection for the species of migratory birds which are important to agriculture as insect destroyers was mainly responsible for the conclusion of the recent international treaty with the United States for the protection of migratory birds in Canada and the United States. This treaty is undoubtedly the most important and far reaching measure ever taken in the history of bird protection. The full text of the treaty and the circumstances responsible for its consummation are given in an article by the present writer in the Agricultural Gazette of Canada. for December last. In addition to the protection of insectivorous birds, the treaty provides that no species of migratory wild-fowl, such as ducks, geese, or shore-birds (plovers, sandpipers, etc.), shall have a longer open season than three and a half months, and the open seasons are so restricted as to prevent the killing of the birds in the breeding season. Close seasons for periods of several years are provided for certain species of birds the continued existence of which has become seriously menaced.