When discussing the topic of endangered animals, there are some key species that come to mind, such as fluffy white polar bears, cuddly pandas and ferocious tigers. But none of these creatures reside anywhere near where we are in London, Ontario. Even so, there are many species at risk here in our own hometown that people might not be aware of.

“In the London area, the most endangered reptile species include the queensnake, spiny softshell turtle, Blanding's Turtle and Eastern Hog-nosed snake,” said Scott Gillingwater, a Species At Risk biologist for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. “There are also a number of fish and mussel species within the river that are at risk, including the black redhorse fish, silver shiner fish, spotted sucker fish, Eastern sand darter fish, Wavy-rayed Lampmussel, rainbow mussel, and round pigtoe mussel.”

There are many reasons why these animals are becoming endangered. Firstly, habitat loss is a major concern. Land where animals used to reside is being taken over by humans without a second thought to how it will affect the animals living there.

Road mortality, accidental mortality, and intentional human persecution are a few other major factors affecting animals. Female turtles are often killed on the road when they try to find nesting areas. Human activities such as off-roading, boating, and fishing often result in the accidental death of snakes, turtles and fish. There is also a number of animals that are intentionally killed by humans for target practice or due to fear of certain animals, such as snakes. Poaching reptiles for illegal pet trade is now becoming a rising issue, and poor water quality caused by erosion or pollution is creating problems for animals that reside in the water.

“If we are to maintain the integrity of the current ecosystem, we must strive to protect all native wildlife species, rare and more common alike. Current stressors placed on the local environment will eventually affect us — if they have not already — and many of these animals also act as indicators of ecosystem health,” Gillingwater explained. Protecting the wildlife in our own area of the world is important to keep our own ecosystem working well.

Gillingwater works as part of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, a non-profit environmental protection agency. “For over 60 years, the UTRCA has been working with local communities to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of our water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs.”

UTRCA is currently involved in tree-planting, limiting erosion, removing invasive species, protecting turtle nests, expanding the Species At Risk turtle and snake habitat, incubating and releasing thousands of hatching baby turtles, water clean-up projects, and educating school and community groups.

Students who want to get involved in the protection of wildlife can contribute to habitat cleanup programs, volunteer with tree planting, contribute to environmental clubs, and become more aware of the natural world.

“Efforts to protect species at risk takes people of all backgrounds to succeed,” Gillingwater said. “Scientists, educators, land owners, land users, students and businesses all play a part in the future of species in this region. Without these connections, only so much can be accomplished.”

For more information on the UTRCA and how to help, check out thamesriver.on.ca.