British Columbia’s deep-snow southern mountain caribou are at a breaking point. Over the last two decades, eight of the province’s 18 herds have been lost, and more will follow if the destruction of their forests continues. However, there is still a chance to save them, but action is needed now.

The federal government has a unique opportunity to leave a lasting conservation legacy, but it requires immediate action. Environment Canada must fulfill its legal obligations by completing the mapping of critical caribou habitat, updating the caribou recovery strategy, and working with British Columbia to stop logging in critical habitat zones. The government already has draft habitat maps that were released in 2014, and British Columbia has completed its own mapping, which could be used to finalize a recovery plan. The only thing missing is political will.

Liberal Party members will soon elect Canada’s next Prime Minister, which could bring a new cabinet and a new environment minister. This means Minister Stephen Guilbeault may only have days left to act on behalf of southern mountain caribou. Guilbeault spent decades in the environmental movement before joining government, and we know he cares about this issue, but he needs a final push to make it a priority before his term ends. In early February, conservation groups gave Minister Guilbeault a deadline of March 19. With that deadline fast approaching, this is the last chance to make our voices heard.

Now is the time to take action for caribou. A few minutes today could make all the difference. Send an email to Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Stephen Guilbeault, urging him to fulfill his legal duty to protect southern mountain caribou. If he acts swiftly, he could be remembered as the leader who helped save one of Canada’s most iconic species. If he does nothing, we risk losing more herds forever.

Now is the time. Speak up for the wild here. Protect southern mountain caribou.

Photo: Cory DeStein