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Sustaining species at risk

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) – special concern provincially and nationally

Photo: Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) – special concern provincially and nationally

By

Tony Buszynski, with photographs by Karen Abel

Environment, Natural heritage

Published Date: Nov 15, 2007

Ontario, with its broad geography, is blessed with incredible biologically diverse landscapes. Most of us take this amazing biodiversity for granted and do not fully appreciate the variety of wild plants and animals and their unique habitats.

For many of these rare species, there is cause for concern as human activities grow and natural areas are modified or lost. In Ontario alone, more than 170 of our province’s wild species are at risk of extinction and need our help if they are to survive and prosper. Only now are we starting to understand the significance of our natural biodiversity and why it is critical to human health and well being. The new Endangered Species Act, 2007 provides better protection for Ontario’s species at risk.

These photographs feature some of Ontario’s species at risk that the Trust and its partners are working to protect. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk-ontario.

American hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium americanum) – special concern provincially and nationally

Photo: American hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium americanum) – special concern provincially and nationally

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) – threatened provincially and nationally (Photo: Barry Cherriere)

Photo: Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) – threatened provincially and nationally (Photo: Barry Cherriere)

Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica) – threatened provincially and nationally

Photo: Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica) – threatened provincially and nationally

Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) – special concern provincially and nationally

Photo: Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) – special concern provincially and nationally

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