Wildlife Of Mixedwood Plains The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River supports a tremendous wealth of fish and other aquatic species that stimulated economic growth and regional development. Surrounding these waterways are rich fertile soils to create one of the most attractive and productive ecozones in Canada. For decades aquatic communities have suffered from the effects of intense commercial fishing and habitat destruction. Many spawning and feeding areas have been lost to siltation, pollution, and dredging.Today the St. Lawrence River and its marine habitats support a diverse collection of aquatic species, including Atlantic Tomcod, Northern Pike, baleen whales and the endangered Beluga Whale, due to human influences. We introduces a number of new species non-native to this ecozone such as Rainbow Smelt, White Perch, and Common Carp.
Numerous bird species, including the Cardinal, Green Heron, and Carolina Wren, are unique to the Mixedwood Plains Ecozone. The Long Point Biosphere reserve in southern Ontario now plays a vital continental role in the protection of migratory bird habitat.