The South Shore is home to many Species at Risk. This area is designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, which are places of significance for the conservation of birds and biodiversity.

The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario is an independent body that classifies native plants and animals in 1 of 4 categories of at risk status.

Extirpated: lives somewhere in the world, and at one time lived in the wild in Ontario, but no longer lives in the wild in Ontario.

Endangered: lives in the wild in Ontario, but it facing imminent extinction or extirpation

Threatened: lives in the wild in Ontario, is not endangered, but is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it.

Special Concern: lives in the wild in Ontario, is not endangered or threatened, but may become threatened or endangered due to a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.

Some species are not studied well enough to know the local or provincial population numbers. For this reason, some species listed have Canadian population numbers.

Species descriptions are from the Species at Risk in Ontario website.

Know where Red-headed Woodpeckers like to hide food? Ever seen a 50-year-old Midland Painted Turtle? Wonder why Piping Plovers vibrate sand with their feet?

If you love the South Shore and are curious about the Species that live, rest, forage and breed there – there’s a new Guide specifically designed for you! Featuring 20+ local photographers, fun facts and identification information about the 39 currently known South Shore Species at Risk, this Guide is now available at Books & Company on Main Street, Picton. It features photos, descriptions and at-risk classification info about species that have been documented using the South Shore Key Biodiversity Area.

A perfect gift, this eco-friendly Guide (printed on 100% recycled paper thanks to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation) is sure to appeal to anyone who loves our South Shore, Canadian birds, reptiles, amphibians, plants, insects, fish and mammals. 100% of proceeds support South Shore Joint Initiative’s work. The Guide is $10 each or 2/$15

Want a guide of your own? Pick them up at Books & Company, County Farm Centre, Green Gables, and at ssji.ca/speciesatriskguide.