Wildlife of Canada

The wildlife of Canada or biodiversity of Canada has over 80,000 known species, with many more waiting to be discovered. We know about fauna and flora from five groups: protozoa make up about 1% of these species; chromist about 4%; fungi about 16%; plants about 11%; and animals about 68%. Insects are almost 70 percent of all animal species found in Canada. More than 300 species live only in Canada.

Canada has 20 major ecosystems, called ecozones: 15 on land and 5 in the water. The main natural areas are the tundra, boreal forest, grassland, and temperate deciduous forest. Since the last big cold time, called the glacial period, Canada has had eight different forest areas. About half of Canada’s land is covered by forests, making up around 8 percent of all the forests in the world.

Because of human actions and other changes to the environment, more than 800 species are at risk of disappearing. Over 1,400 invasive species of fish, plants, insects and small animals have come to Canada on purpose or by accident. About 65 percent of Canada’s species are safe. Protected and conservation areas have been created to help keep Canada’s plants and animals safe. Around 5,000 animal species and 30,000 plant species in Canada cannot be taken out of the country for trade.

Biodiversity

Habitat

Further information: Geography of Canada

Canada has many different kinds of land and water. These include forests, prairies, tundra, and many lakes and rivers. The biggest forest area is the boreal forest, and the largest tundra is in the Arctic. Canada also has many wetlands and rivers such as the Mackenzie and Saint Lawrence.

Fauna

Main article: Fauna of Canada

Canada is home to many animals. There are about 200 kinds of mammals, over 460 bird species, and many fish, amphibians, and reptiles. You can find black bears, moose, and caribou in different parts of the country. Birds like robins and eagles live here too. The coasts have whales, seals, and many types of fish. Many birds from other places visit Canada in the spring and summer.

Flora

Main articles: Flora of Canada and Forests of Canada

Canada has many plants, with about 17,000 different kinds. Forests cover much of the country, with trees like spruce, fir, and pine. Different areas have different plants, such as tundra flowers and trees in coast forests.

Species at risk

Main article: List of Wildlife Species at Risk (Canada)

Canada has special rules to help protect animals and plants that are in danger. These rules are called the Species at Risk Act. The goal is to keep animals and their homes safe.

Many animals in Canada are in trouble because of pollution or losing their homes. Over 800 animals and plants are at risk. Some of these include the Canada lynx, polar bear, and whooping crane.

Invasive species

Main articles: Invasive species in Canada and Aquatic invasive species in Canada

Further information: List of invasive species in North America

More than 1,400 invasive species, like fish, plants, insects, and small animals, have come to Canada in many ways, some on purpose and some by accident. Over 450 of these are plants, and more than 400 are insects. The Great Lakes area has almost 200 invasive species, making it one of the places in Canada most affected by these outsiders. Water areas are often more affected than land areas.

Some invasive species, like the sea lamprey, zebra mussels, and mountain pine beetle, have changed where animals and plants live and made it hard for native species to survive. Plants like purple loosestrife and leafy spurge can grow very fast, taking over space that belongs to native plants and even crops.

Conservation

Main article: Protected areas of Canada

Canada has set aside parts of its land and water to help protect plants, animals, and natural spaces. These places are managed by different groups, each with its own goals, such as keeping nature healthy, allowing people to visit, or studying wildlife.

Canada started protecting its natural areas early. In 1911, it created the first national park agency in the world, now known as Parks Canada. Laws like the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Canada Wildlife Act help guard birds and other wildlife. There are also special areas for fish and marine life. Many of these protected spaces are overseen by government agencies, local communities, or both.

National wildlife symbols

Main article: National symbols of Canada

Canada does not have a special flower or bird to represent the country at the national level.

Provincial and territorial wildlife symbols

Main article: List of Canadian provincial and territorial symbols

Each province and territory in Canada picks special plants, animals, and natural items to show what is special about the wildlife there. These symbols help us see the kinds of life found in each area.