Biodiversity

The MRC Pontiac is a 14000 km2 territory of immense natural heritage. The territory is comprised of over 4000 lacs, connected by a network of wetlands, streams and rivers. The main rivers of the region are the Ottawa, the Coulonge, the Dumoine, the Noire, and the Quyon. This interconnectedness promotes biodiversity and offers immense possibilities for recreational activities. The forest, primarily deciduous, is home to a diverse and abundant wildlife, creating a both rich and dynamic ecosystem. 

These attributes provide a unique and special appeal to vacationers, boaters, as well as to hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Species at Risk

Species at risk are those whose existence is either threatened or vulnerable, often due to habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation or climate change. These species play a critical role in many ecosystems and their conservation is important in maintaining ecological balance and ecosystem function.

  • Regulating ecological function: Species at risk can occupy specific niches and their absence in an ecosystem can result in an ecological imbalance. For example, some species are predators and some prey. In their roles, they contribute to regulating population size, genetic diversity and contributing to the overall balance of their ecosystem.
  • Ecosystem services: Many species at risk provide vital ecosystem services, such as pollination, decomposition, water purification, and climate regulation. Losing species can affect the services provided by an ecosystem.
  • Biological and genetic value: The conservation of biodiversity, including species at risk, is essential to preserving genetic diversity that can provide natural solutions to future challenges, such and diseases and environmental change.
  • Indicator species of ecosystem health: Species at risk are often indicators of the health of their environment, their decline can signal a problem or imbalance in the ecosystem that may require immediate attention.

Here are some actions that one can do to encourage the conservation of species at risk:

  • Protect natural habitats: One of the priorities in conserving species at risk is to conserve and restore the habitat that they depend on to survive. This can include the creation of nature preserves, the adoption of sustainable forestry practices, and the conservation of sensitive ecosystems.
  • Fight against pollution: Air, water and soil pollution is one of the leading causes of species loss. It is important to implement policies that reduce industrial, agriculture and plastic pollution and promote sustainable ways of doing.
  • Report your observations: You can report your observations and consult the list of species at risk through the Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec (CPDNQ).

 

For more information on species at risk, consult the website of the ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), covering both flora and fauna.

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Invasive Species

Invasives, whether exotic or domestic, can cause serious damage if they are found introduced in ecosystems to which they do not belong naturally. They can alter the ecological balance, threaten local biodiversity, affect water quality, and modify the habitat on which native species are reliant. The introduction and spread of species from one ecosystem to another represents the main threat to the health of ecosystems and requires constant vigilance to preserve local fauna and flora.

Here are some habits that one can adopt to reduce the spread of invasive species:

  1. Cleaning nautical equipment: Before and after each use, thoroughly clean pleasure crafts, motors, fishing equipment and personal gear to remove all plant or animal materials susceptible of transporting invasives.  You can consult the Map of Boat Washing Stations;
  2. Avoid transporting species: Do not move plants, animals or substrates from one body of water to another, whether aquatic or terrestrial.
  3. Respect local regulations: Follow laws and regulations concerning invasive species, which may include bans on transporting or planting invasive species.
  4. Use indigenous species: When landscaping, choose native plant species adapted to the environment and avoid invasive species.
  5. Report your observations : You can report your observations and consult the list of invasive species on Sentinelle.
 

For more information, visit the Gestion des espèces exotiques envahissantes on the ministère de l’Environement et de la Lutte contre les changement climatique (MELCCFP) website.

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Protect Against Blue-Green Algae

Cyanobacteria also known as blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that occur naturally in freshwater. There are many types of cyanobacteria, and some can produce harmful toxins called cyanotoxins.

Cyanobacteria can grow quickly in freshwater lakes and rivers under favourable conditions that can include:

  • slow moving waters
  • higher water temperatures
  • an increase of nutrients in the water, such as nitrogen and phosphorus

These conditions can sometimes lead to large cyanobacteria blooms. When a bloom containing toxin-producing cyanobacteria develops, toxins can reach hazardous levels.

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