Native Wildlife

Species at Risk in the Upper Thames River Watershed

We’ve compiled a list of the species that have been designated as Threatened, Endangered, or Special Concern in Ontario by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO). The list includes only species that have been recorded in the watershed since 1980. Please be aware that sharing location information may jeopardize the species at that site. Always mask coordinates when sharing species sightings on platforms such as iNaturalist.

Aquatic Species at Risk

The Thames River is one of Canada’s most southern watercourses. The river and its many tributaries are rich in aquatic life, with approximately 90 species of fish, 30 species of freshwater mussels and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. Many of the native species that live in the Thames are found almost nowhere else in Canada and a number of these species are designated as species at risk (SAR) federally and provincially.

Reptiles at Risk educational program

This FREE in-class presentation introduces students to turtle and snake species found right here in Ontario. The presentation includes reptile characteristics, habitats, predators, threats that contribute to their decline, and research that is being conducted to help save them.

Protect Salamanders and Other Amphibians from this Deadly Fungus!

A deadly pathogen is affecting wild salamanders in Europe (originating from imported Asian newts), one that has the potential to cause massive die offs of our native salamanders if it reaches North America. The U.S. has acted quickly to halt international and inter-state movement of over 200 types of salamanders due the threat of this fungus (called Bsal for short). A Canadian working group (including Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Environment Canada, Canadian Herpetological Society and many others) has developed a salamander fungus fact sheet with links to information as well as disinfection protocols. More information on Bsal can be found at http://www.salamanderfungus.org/. Please help share this information!

Other Information

Recommended Native Trees, Shrubs, Wildflowers, Grasses, and Prairies Plants

Many people want to plant locally native species, but don’t know which species are endemic to the Upper Thames River watershed or where to obtain them. Find out more!