Species at Risk on and around Manitoulin Island
Around 270 species of plants and animals are at risk of disappearing from Ontario. The biggest threats to species at risk are invasive species, pollution, and habitat loss and destruction. Due to the uniqueness of a large freshwater island, Manitoulin Island has endemic plants and sensitive, uncommon biomes that are habitat to species at risk.
The Endangered Species Act
The act provides a science-based assessment, species are assessed by an independent body based on the best-available science and Indigenous traditional knowledge. It guarantees automatic species protection. The species classified as endangered or threatened automatically receive legal protection. Lastly, the act ensures protection of habitat for sensitive species.
Classifications
Extirpated - Extinct in Ontario but has a population somewhere else in the world.
Endangered - Population is facing imminent extinction or extirpation.
Threatened - Is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it.
Special concern - May become threatened or endangered due to a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.
For more species specific information check out the Ontario species at risk website here.
The Endangered Species Act
The act provides a science-based assessment, species are assessed by an independent body based on the best-available science and Indigenous traditional knowledge. It guarantees automatic species protection. The species classified as endangered or threatened automatically receive legal protection. Lastly, the act ensures protection of habitat for sensitive species.
Classifications
Extirpated - Extinct in Ontario but has a population somewhere else in the world.
Endangered - Population is facing imminent extinction or extirpation.
Threatened - Is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it.
Special concern - May become threatened or endangered due to a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.
For more species specific information check out the Ontario species at risk website here.
Mammals
reptiles and amphibians
birds
plants
insects
fish
