Species at Risk
Species at Risk
Species at Risk
http://www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk
“Endangered” means the species lives in the wild in Ontario but is facing imminent extinction or extirpation.
“Threatened” means the species lives in the wild in Ontario and is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken.
“Special concern” means the species lives in the wild in Ontario, and is at risk of becoming endangered or threatened due to a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.
Some examples from the Thousand Islands National Park:
Photo credit to Ellen Edmonson (NYSDEC) ©
Pugnose Shiner: Threatened
The Pugnose Shiner is usually found over sand and mud in slow-moving, clear, vegetated streams and lakes. It is found in sheltered ponds, wetlands, stagnant channels and protected bays adjacent to larger waterbodies.
What you can do – Habitat degradation and loss is the principal threat. Activities that contribute to this threat include removal of aquatic vegetation, and changes in water quality/quantity. Aquatic invasive species are also a growing threat, particularly Common Carp and Eurasian watermilfoil, due to their negative effects on native aquatic vegetation.
Photo credit to Jean Dabros ©
Monarch Butterfly: Endangered
The Monarch is one of the best-known butterfly species around the world. It is the only butterfly in North America that migrates. The Monarch relies on milkweed plants for breeding and is found where milkweed grows.
What you can do: plant, or leave untouched, any milkweeds (the milkweed plant is the only source of food for the monarch caterpillar).
Photo credit to Scientist Jessica Ferguson ©
Gray (Black) Ratsnake: Threatened
The Gray or more commonly referred to as the Black Ratsnake is split into two distinct populations. The Carolinian population in South Western Ontario is endangered and the Frontenac Axis population is listed as threatened. The Frontenac Axis crosses the 1000 Islands. The Ratsnake is non-venomous and is Ontario’s largest snake, reaching up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) in length.
What you can do – please check out this very informative booklet shared by the Leeds Grenville Stewardship Council
http://www.lgstewardship.ca/gray-ratsnake—a-landowners-guide-to-helping-it-recover.html
Photo Credit to Scientist Jessica Ferguson ©
Spiny Softshell Turtle: Threatened
The Spiny softshell is a medium-large freshwater turtle that is easily recognized by its shell, which is round, rather flat, leathery and can reach up to 54 centimetres (23 inches) long. It is also distinguished by its snorkel-like snout.
Photo Credit to Brian E. Small ©
King Rail: Endangered
King Rails are found in densely vegetated freshwater marshes with open shallow water that merges with shrubby areas. Its nest is a dinner-plate sized platform made of plant material, placed just above the water in shrubs or clumps of other marsh plants.
Threats to the King Rail include invasive species and the destruction and degradation of wetlands.
Photo Credit to Ann Froschauer/USFWS ©
Little Brown Myotis: Endangered
Little brown bats have glossy brown fur and usually weigh between four and 11 grams – about as much as a Canadian loonie or toonie. They are typically four or five centimetres long, with a wingspan of 22 to 27 centimetres.
Little brown bats eat insects. They feed at night, usually over water, and are most active in the two or three hours after sunset. The female little brown bat usually gives birth to only one young, which is able to fly and obtain its own food when just three weeks old.
Bats are nocturnal. During the day they roost in trees and buildings. They often select attics, abandoned buildings and barns for summer colonies where they can raise their young.
What can you do: Unfortunately, the main reason for the massive decline in all bat species is the occurrence of a fungus that causes White Nose Syndrome in their overwintering hibernation sites. If you see a bat roosting during the day please do not disturb it. Put up a bat house on your property.
Photo Credit to mpnature.com ©
Deerberry Shrub: Threatened
The Deerberry is threatened in Ontario and the 1000 Islands is home to 5 of the 6 surviving populations. It is found predominately in dry open wooded areas growing under Oak and White Pine trees.
The two greatest threats to Deerberry in Canada are:
- fire suppression that leads to canopy closure and shading
- browsing by deer
Recreational activity may be a threat in that a number of the Deerberry populations are located near trails, leaving the species susceptible to trampling.
What can you do – Join the centre’s Rare Species of Ontario project in iNaturalist, an online plant and animal identification app, to quickly and easily submit your observations.
What You Can Do
Many excellent choices of ways that you can help protect Species at Risk and help conserve biodiversity can be found on the following site: