How do we ensure that common animals remain common?

In a commentary dated September 10, 2026, David Suzuki argues that conservation focus shouldn’t be limited to species already labeled “at risk.” He notes that Canada’s Species at Risk Act lists only a few animals as “common” but still at risk, including the common nighthawk, common hoptree, and common five-lined skink; other species may be “data deficient,” such as the common poorwill. Suzuki points to history and research suggesting “common” birds are declining faster than rarer ones, with habitat loss largely blamed. He cites a study using six decades of data on 244 North American bird species, concluding abundant species showed the steepest drop.