We share Ontario with thousands of different plants and animals
Ontario has polar bears and pelicans. Eight kinds of bats and 17 kinds of snakes live here. Cactus grow in our most southern region, and arctic willows grow in the Far North. Our lakes and rivers are home to tiny minnows and sturgeon that grow up to two metres long.
Featured Videos
Polar Bear Adaptation?
Find out what research is telling us about the effect of climate change on polar bears. Watch video.
Are you a student? Or a teacher?
We have lots of tools and information for you. See how you can help fight climate change. Find out about black bears. Visit Campsite 24 and learn about environmental protection, plants and wildlife, and Ontario's provincial parks. Check out the Kids’ Fish Art Contest.
Trees – we have lots of them!
In fact, we have about 85 billion trees in Ontario. (More fun forest facts here.) But we’d like even more. Learn about which native tree to plant in your area from our Tree Atlas – and join our plant a tree challenge.
It’s all about biodiversity!
About 30,000 species of plants and animals are native to Ontario. That includes:
- more than 80 different mammals
- 400 kinds of bird
- 80 reptiles and amphibians
- 20,000 types of insects, spiders and other invertebrates (animals that don’t have backbones)
- more than 3,300 species of plants
- more than 1,000 types of fungi and algae
Biodiversity is the great variety of living things on earth. Learn more about the state of biodiversity in Ontario and how you can help conserve it.
Many of Ontario’s plants and animals are in danger of disappearing forever
Learn about endangered species, from the monarch butterfly and the polar bear to the butternut tree to a plant called pygmy pocket moss.
Some plants and animals aren’t welcome in Ontario
Invasive species are a serious threat to Ontario’s native plants and animals. Invasive species destroy habitat, compete with native species, and can cause the introduction of parasites and disease.
Check out the invasive species section of this website (including our picture gallery) to learn about different invasive species, what we’re doing to protect Ontario from these unwelcome plants and animals, and what you can do to help.
How do we know so much about Ontario’s plants and animals?
Our scientists study everything from flying squirrels to forest carbon storage. Biologists across the province monitor the health of our natural resources, such as fish stocks and moose populations. We also study things that can affect plants and animals, including climate change and wildlife disease.
What else would you like to know?
- Where can you view wildlife in Ontario?
- Are there cougars in Ontario?
- How can you be Bear Wise?
- What is rabies, and how can you recognize it in animals?
Enjoy Nature