In the December issue of Canadian Geographic — the magazine’s 80th-anniversary issue, an all-wildlife extravaganza — we look at the evolution of wildlife conservation and management. As Brian Payton notes in the cover story, flash back 80 years, or 40 years, or even one year, and you will see myriad examples of wanton entitlement by humans believing that unlimited numbers of animals were put on Earth simply for us to hunt. Fortunately, you will also find many stories of innovative thinkers who have led us to appreciate the interrelatedness and vulnerability of species and ecosystems and whose discoveries have led to generations of biologists, conservationists and citizens dedicating themselves to enriching the health of the planet’s wildlife.

PLUS: Candace Savage on the rebirth of the black-footed ferret — the world’s cutest predator; Dan Bortolotti on the mysterious lives of blue whales — the world’s largest animal; and much more.

Erased from the Canadian prairie seven decades ago and dwindling to within a whisker of extinction, the black-footed ferret is poised to make a precarious recovery.

See an exclusive video of the ferret release, view a behind-the-scenes photo essay of the Toronto Zoo’s breeding program and discover why the ferret’s rebirth has the area’s Lakota First Nation dancing.

The Canadian Atlas Online

Highway H₂0
A new thematic has recently been added to the Canadian Atlas Online to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This new thematic provides a look at the past, present and future of the Seaway, its benefits, as well as its infrastructure and technology.

In addition, you can find 13 bilingual lesson plans created for the middle-school level.

Are you a teacher?
If you are a geography or social studies teacher, the Geography Challenge is a wonderful activity for your classroom!

By registering online, you will have everything that you need to participate at the school, provincial and national levels immediately available at your fingertips.

For more information and to register your school visit: www.geochallenge.ca.

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