Introduction and Definitions: Understanding Hamilton’s Biodiversity

Karen Logan
Mar 21
3 min read

Introduction

“Our Fragile Environment” is a collection of illustrated guides designed to help identify and understand the species that live within Hamilton, Ontario. This project brings together scientific research, community observation, and original artwork to highlight the region’s rich biodiversity and the urgent need to protect it.

In 2021, the United Nations declared the decade from 2021 to 2030 as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, emphasizing global efforts to restore ecosystems, combat climate change, and prevent biodiversity loss. Locally, the City of Hamilton has taken steps toward these goals through its Biodiversity Action Plan and ongoing updates to the Natural Areas Inventory (NAI), which documents species found across the region.

Flip through the PDF below to learn more:

You can also download the full guide for your own reference:

Historically, species inventories relied on small groups of specialists, leaving gaps in knowledge. Today, platforms like iNaturalist allow the public to contribute observations, greatly improving the accuracy and scope of biodiversity data in Hamilton . As a result, thousands of species have now been identified, reflecting the ecological importance of this area.

This series is both educational and artistic. Each volume combines detailed species checklists with original artwork, creating a bridge between science and visual storytelling. The goal is simple but ambitious: to help people recognize the life around them and understand why it matters.

Hamilton’s natural spaces, from wetlands and forests to urban edges, support an incredible range of species. By increasing awareness and appreciation, this project encourages conservation and a deeper connection to the environment we all depend on.

Definitions

Biological Classification (Taxonomy)

All living organisms are classified using a structured system developed by Carl Linnaeus. Species are grouped based on shared characteristics and genetic relationships. The hierarchy is:

Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

This guide organizes species primarily by class, family, and species, with common names listed first.

Species Status (Canada – SARA)

Under the Species at Risk Act (2002), species are classified based on their risk of extinction:

EXT (Extinct): No longer exists anywhere
EXP (Extirpated): No longer exists in the wild in Canada
END (Endangered): Facing imminent extinction
THR (Threatened): Likely to become endangered
SC (Special Concern): Sensitive to threats
NAR (Not At Risk): Not currently at risk
DD (Data Deficient): Not enough information to assess

Species Status (Ontario – ESA)

Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (2007) uses similar categories specific to the province:

EXT (Extinct): No longer exists globally
EXP (Extirpated): No longer exists in Ontario
END (Endangered): At immediate risk in Ontario
THR (Threatened): Likely to become endangered
SC (Special Concern): May become threatened
NAR (Not At Risk)
DD (Data Deficient)

S-Rank (Provincial Conservation Status)

Assigned by Ontario’s Natural Heritage Information Centre, S-Ranks describe how rare or secure a species is within the province:

S1: Critically imperiled
S2: Imperiled
S3: Vulnerable
S4: Apparently secure
S5: Secure
SNR: Not ranked
SH: Possibly extirpated (historical)
SX: Presumed extirpated

Additional modifiers may indicate uncertainty, rarity, or whether a species is introduced or accidental.

Native vs. Introduced Species

Native species: Occur naturally in a region
Introduced species: Brought intentionally or accidentally by human activity

Introduced species may become invasive, potentially disrupting local ecosystems.

Closing Note

This guide is more than a checklist. It is an invitation to notice what is often overlooked.

Every plant, animal, and organism plays a role in maintaining ecological balance. Understanding these connections is the first step toward protecting them.