Badger CREDIT: John Pitcher

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Endangered Species

Ontario is a vast province, nearly 900,000 square kilometres, which is bigger than France and Spain combined, and it is rich in biodiversity. But the province also contains almost 200 plant and animal species that are at-risk, meaning that these species are in danger of extinction or of disappearing from the province. This number is growing every year. In response, Ontario Nature is actively involved in research, public education and policy work on behalf of species at risk.

Research

Our research focuses on at-risk woodland caribou and reptiles. We are working with the government to improve forest conservation regulations for caribou. We are also producing a reptile and amphibian atlas that will inform how best to protect sensitive habitat for these species.

Policy

For decades Ontario Nature has been at the forefront of efforts to protect species at risk through strong legislation, regulations and policy. The result is Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA), a promising law that sets a new, high standard for species at risk legislation in Canada. Its strengths include the scientific listing of endangered species, mandatory habitat protection, mandatory recovery plans and funding for stewardship.

However, the real test of the legislation is in its implementation. We are working with the Province to make sure that the policies and regulations that support the ESA are carried out in a timely way and truly safeguard wildlife and the ecosystems that plants and animals depend on.

Public Education

Ontario Nature promotes public awareness of and engagement in the conservation of all wildlife, including species at risk. We make public presentations, hold workshops and produce outreach materials. Click here to read the June 2009 publication by Save our Species entitled: Ontario's Endangered Species Act Report Card.

Through our Action Alerts, we notify our supporters of opportunities to participate in public consultations and to comment on draft policies. We also provide opportunities for volunteers to be involved in direct, hands-on citizen science initiatives through projects like the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario and the newly launched Reptile and Amphibian Atlas project.

You can find more information about threatened and endangered species and Ontario’s Endangered Species Act at the following websites:

• Save Ontario Species (S.O.S.):  www.saveontariospecies.ca
• Ministry of Natural Resources: www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/index.html

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