Natural Resources Canada
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Rare Plant Diversity
Abstract
Some plants are rare because they naturally occur in very specialized habitats or in very low numbers; others may be rare because they have suffered setbacks because of natural processes or pressures from human activities. The highest number of rare plant species is in southern Ontario, where human activity is intensive and extensive. Farming, deforestation, draining of wetlands, and the use of insecticides and herbicides has reduced the populations and areas of distribution of numerous species.
Plants may be rare for several reasons. Some plants naturally occupy very specialized habitats or may occur in very low numbers; others may have suffered setbacks because of natural processes or pressures from human activities. Many temperate plants that are common south of the border are rare in the northern part of their range in extreme southern Canada. Knowing the location and special requirements for survival of these plants is important for developing appropriate conservation measures.
Other Maps in this Series:
- Endemic Plant Diversity Map | Read about this map
- Land Cover Diversity Map | Read about this map
- Wetland Diversity Map | Read about this map
