The number of people on Earth increases every year. This growing population means we take up more space and use more natural resources to feed, clothe, and house ourselves. These increased demands on our natural resources are threatening biodiversity in Ontario. Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy identifies five major threats: pollution, climate change, habitat change, invasive species and unsustainable use of resources.

Each of these threats puts pressure on our biological resources and can lead to changes in the number and types of species and ecosystems present in Ontario. Species and ecosystems may be exposed to more than one of these threats at the same time. The increasing number of species at risk is a clear sign that our biodiversity is being threatened.