Biodiversity in Ontario’s…

Biodiversity in Ontario’s Greenbelt is essential to our health and the health of this regions non-human inhabitants. Composed of woodlands, wetlands, meadows, rivers, and streams, the Greenbelt is a web of interconnected ecosystems.

These ecosystems are home to 78 provincially listed species at risk in Ontario, including 25 species of migratory birds. Birds of prey, songbirds, and waterfowl occupy different niches.

Many of these populations at risk exist on the boundary of the Greenbelt. Development, roads, or infrastructure corridors are imminent threat through the loss and fragmentation of their habitat. Habitat fragmentation increases the exposure of these populations to predators, parasites, and invasive species. Site developments along the edge of the Greenbelt shrink the interior habitats, which supply safe breading and nesting territories, destroy the connection of between habitats that these species rely upon during different parts of their life cycle.

The proposed developments and site alterations threaten the function and connectivity between these habitat areas. The proposed land swaps will drive many of these vulnerable migratory bird populations into extinction.