Habitat Loss Habitat: the natural environment in which an organism lives, including shelter and food

Habitat Loss Habitat: the natural environment in which an organism lives, including shelter and food Southern Ontario: 80% of the original forest is gone.

Habitat Loss Habitat: the natural environment in which an organism lives, including shelter and food Southern Ontario: 80% of the original forest is gone. Fragmentation: remaining wild areas are chopped up into small segments -organisms are unable to access other areas

Habitat Loss Factors Improving Sustainability of Habitat Fragments: 1. Size: large blocks support larger and more stable populations

Habitat Loss Factors Improving Sustainability of Habitat Fragments: 1. Size: large blocks support larger and more stable populations 2. Number: one large area is better than an equal area composed of many smaller areas

Habitat Loss Factors Improving Sustainability of Habitat Fragments: 1. Size: large blocks support larger and more stable populations 2. Number: one large area is better than an equal area composed of many smaller areas 3. Proximity: the closer habitat fragments are to each other, the greater the chance populations will interact

Habitat Loss Factors Improving Sustainability of Habitat Fragments: 1. Size: large blocks support larger and more stable populations 2. Number: one large area is better than an equal area composed of many smaller areas 3. Proximity: the closer habitat fragments are to each other, the greater the chance populations will interact 4. Connectedness: creating corridors permit wildlife to migrate

Habitat Loss Factors Improving Sustainability of Habitat Fragments: 1. Size: large blocks support larger and more stable populations 2. Number: one large area is better than an equal area composed of many smaller areas 3. Proximity: the closer habitat fragments are to each other, the greater the chance populations will interact 4. Connectedness: creating corridors permit wildlife to migrate 5. Integrity: keeping it isolated from human impact

Introduction of Non-Native Species Invasive species: a non-native species whose intentional or accidental introduction negatively impacts the natural environment

Introduction of Non-Native Species Invasive species: a non-native species whose intentional or accidental introduction negatively impacts the natural environment e.g.Carp Earwigs European Starlings

Introduction of Non-Native Species Invasive species: a non-native species whose intentional or accidental introduction negatively impacts the natural environment Types of Impact: 1. Ecological: competes or feeds on native species

Introduction of Non-Native Species Invasive species: a non-native species whose intentional or accidental introduction negatively impacts the natural environment Types of Impact: 1. Ecological: competes or feeds on native species 2. Economic: damage to forests or agricultural areas

Introduction of Non-Native Species Invasive species: a non-native species whose intentional or accidental introduction negatively impacts the natural environment Types of Impact: 1. Ecological: competes or feeds on native species 2. Economic: damage to forests or agricultural areas 3. Tourism: species loss & reduced water quality reduce attractiveness

Introduction of Non-Native Species Invasive species: a non-native species whose intentional or accidental introduction negatively impacts the natural environment Types of Impact: 1. Ecological: competes or feeds on native species 2. Economic: damage to forests or agricultural areas 3. Tourism: species loss & reduced water quality reduce attractiveness 4. Health: disease-causing organisms, such as West Nile virus are introduced

Introduction of Non-Native Species Controlling Invasive Species: Chemical Control: the use of pesticides Mechanical Control: physical barriers or removal. e.g. carp barrier in Cootes Paradise Biological Control: introducing organisms that prey on the invasive species e.g. insects released to consume purple loosestrife