Biodiversity
Biodiversity and ecosystem services
The greater the biodiversity of an area, the greater the chances of it withstanding threats, such as natural disasters and the effects of climate change.
Biodiversity: The variability among living organisms in terrestrial, marine and other ecosystems. Biodiversity includes variability at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels. (Source: Termium)
A wide diversity of plant and animal species that deliver many ecosystem services to people:
- water treatment
- climate regulation
- regulation of pests and disease
- resources for accommodation, clothing, food and medicine
Inhabitants of and visitors to the reserve
The Green Mountains Nature Reserve (GMNR) features extraordinary ecological wealth, providing habitat for hundreds of animal and plant species.
Extraordinary ecological wealth
Protected in perpetuity
Species at risk
Species at risk are designated under the Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species in Quebec and/or by the Species at Risk Act in Canada. The GMNR is home to nine at-risk flower species and eight at-risk wildlife species. Protecting habitat here is essential to their survival.
Look for this icon
for species
protection
status
Mammals
Bat
While Quebec’s eight bat species are not designated by legally protected status, they are considered to be in sharp decline. However, some are in the process of being listed as threatened (northern myotis, little brown myotis, eastern pipistrelle) or vulnerable (red bat) in the province. Among them, three are endangered in Canada: eastern pipistrelle, little brown myotis and northern myotis. Five of the eight species are considered “residents,” as they hibernate in Quebec; the other three migrate south. Bats live in varied habitats, ranging from forests to glades to wetlands. They nest in tree snags in summer and hibernate in caves or mines in winter. They are known to breed in the attics of houses and barns. Want to help protect bats? Visit Neighbourhood Bat Watch to find out how.
Little brown myotis Photo credit Frédérick Lelièvre
Wide-ranging mammals
Species with a large home range need large connected areas for their life cycle (shelter, food and reproduction). The nature reserve is large enough to protect the diversity of the ecosystems found here while ensuring adequate habitat for several large mammals, such as black bear, bobcat and moose. Connected natural areas are imperative for their movement.
Bear
Moose
Bobcat
Stream salamanders
As their name suggests, stream salamanders live in streams, often in mountains, with clear water and a rocky bottom. As they have no lungs, they breathe through their skin, making them very sensitive to their environment, especially to water temperature and quality. This species’ presence usually indicates that the stream has little to no pollution. There are several species of stream salamanders: spring salamander, northern dusky salamander and northern two-lined salamander. Spring salamander is the largest stream salamander in Quebec. Designated as vulnerable in Quebec and threatened in Canada, it can reach up to 23 centimetres long. For more information on how to protect the GMNR’s salamanders, read the Hiker’s best practices.
Two-lined salamander Photo credit Gary Nafis
Northern dusky salamander Photo credit Frédérick Lelièvre
23 reptile
and amphibian species
Turtles
A designated species of special concern in Canada, painted turtles inhabit shallow ponds and a wide variety of aquatic environments. Their shell can measure up to 25 centimetres long. The yellow underside and red neck stripes distinguish them from other turtle species.
Painted turtle Photo credit Glenn LeBlanc
With a shell measuring up to 50 centimetres long, snapping turtles are a designated species of special concern in Canada. They inhabit lakes, marshes, large rivers and ponds, preferring aquatic environments with a low current, soft muddy bottom and dense vegetation. They have a large head, sharp jaws, long tail and large feet.
Hikers
This species needs large areas to escape into and connect with nature. They enjoys taking in the most beautiful vistas and exploring little-visited places.
Responsible hikers are best described as:
- being aware that their actions can have an impact on natural environments and biodiversity;
- understanding their vulnerability to the effects of climate change;
- doing their part to protect nature;
- enjoying the GMNR’s beautiful landscapes while observing the best practices
- respecting other visitors and being curious about the surrounding nature, without disturbing it.
