3. Species at Risk in our Watershed

Here are a few at-risk species to watch for in the Ottawa River watershed.

Illustration: Ellen Edmonson and Hugh Chrisp, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Illustration: Ellen Edmonson and Hugh Chrisp, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Lake Sturgeon

(Acipenser fulvescens)
• Largest freshwater fish in Canada, reaching over 2 meters long and weighing up to 180 kg
• Endangered species in Ontario due to harvesting, dams and other river barriers, and habitat loss


Illustration: Ellen Edmonson and Hugh Chrisp, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Illustration: Ellen Edmonson and Hugh Chrisp, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

American Eel

(Anguilla rostrata)
• Once made up over 50% of the total biomass in the Ottawa River
• Endangered species in Ontario due to river fragmentation by dams which prevent access to feeding and spawning areas


Photo: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife

Photo: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife

Western Chorus Frog

(Pseudacris triseriata)
• White stripe along upper lip, brown strip running from nostrils through eyes to groin
• Breeds in almost any fishless pond, including temporary ponds in floodplains
• Maximum adult size of 4 cm
• Threatened species in Quebec and Ontario due to habitat loss


Photo: Steve Arena, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Photo: Steve Arena, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Least Bittern

(Ixobrychus exilis)
• Crown and back are black/brown, neck and sides are orange
• Smallest member of the heron family, slightly larger than the American robin
• Nests are found near the open water of a wetland, above marshes in densely vegetated areas
• Threatened species in Quebec and Ontario due to destruction of wetland habitats, shoreline development, invasive species, and human disturbance


Illustration: John Edwards Holbrook

Illustration: John Edwards Holbrook

Blanding’s Turtle

(Emydoidea blandingii)
• Domed black or brown shell with yellow flecks and streaks and can grow up to 27 cm
• Live in shallow waters, large wetlands or shallow lakes abundant in aquatic plants
• Threatened species in Quebec and Ontario due to habitat loss and land fragmentation, motor vehicles, and mammals such as raccoons and foxes that prey on eggs


This is a page from the online Riverwatch handbook.

GO BACK TO THE RIVERWATCH HANDBOOK