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Impact Area

Biodiversity

What is biodiversity and why is it important?

Biodiversity is the collection of life that makes up our natural world.

This includes the variety of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that work together to create healthy, balanced ecosystems that sustain life.

Biodiversity is important because it supports everything in nature that we need to survive and has a direct impact on our health and well-being. It provides food, fresh water, shelter, energy and medicine. Biodiversity also supports business and recreational activities that contribute to the economy.

What are the five greatest threats to biodiversity?

Biodiversity is threatened by humans putting strains on natural resources and reshaping landscapes, primarily as a consequence of population growth and unsustainable consumption.
  1. Habitat loss and degradation:

    When wildlife habitats are destroyed, they can no longer provide the essential food, water and shelter that species need to survive.

  2. Climate change:

    Rising temperatures and increased extreme weather events are outpacing many species’ ability to adapt, leading to sharp population declines.

  3. Pollution:

    Contaminants in air, soil and water disrupt ecosystems and threaten the survival of species within them.

  4. Invasive species:

    With no natural predators, invasive species outcompete native flora and fauna, reducing biodiversity, disrupting food webs and weakening ecosystem resilience.

  5. Species overexploitation:

    Excessive harvesting of wild plants and animals depletes populations, taking more from nature than it can sustainably offer.

Mallard hen sitting in shoreline pollution.
A turtle sunning itself on a log in a healthy wetland
A turtle sunning itself on a log in a healthy wetland © Ducks Unlimited Canada
The world’s biodiversity clock is ticking Get the story

The world’s biodiversity clock is ticking

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Ducks Unlimited Canada’s approach:

Innovative solutions to protect biodiversity:

  • Shaping sustainable policies.
  • Restoring critical landscapes.
  • Advancing research and technology.
  • Empowering future conservation leaders.

Our work safeguards ecosystems, supports species and delivers lasting results for nature and people.

See Our Approach

Stories about biodiversity

Blanding’s turtle hatchlings protected in Carp Hills wetland
Biodiversity, Partnerships, Wetlands, Wildlife

Blanding’s turtle hatchlings protected in Carp Hills wetland

A Ducks Unlimited Canada wetland property welcomed over 20 Blanding's turtle hatchlings released in the area over the summer.

The biodiversity lens
Biodiversity, Conservator

The biodiversity lens

From global gatherings to backyard bio-blitzes, biodiversity is a welcome view in the panorama of conservation in Canada.

Biodiversity, pollinators and conservation
Biodiversity, Pollinators, Science

Biodiversity, pollinators and conservation

How protecting natural habitats can save our pollinators and boost biodiversity.

How messy croplands help farmers and pollinators
Biodiversity, Pollinators, Science

How messy croplands help farmers and pollinators

Messy areas not only support pollinators but also have the potential to boost crop yields and bring economic benefits to the farm gate.

More ecosystems where we are making an impact

Our conservation efforts impact diverse areas across the entire country—including your community.

Wetlands

Wetlands

Great Lakes – St. Lawrence

Great Lakes – St. Lawrence

Boreal Forest

Boreal Forest

Grasslands

Grasslands

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