From east to west across Canada, a number of ecosystems and the species they support are currently considered at risk and in need of being preserved.

• Atlantic coastal plain flora: Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora (ACPF) is a group of over 60 species of wetland plants, some of which are unique to Nova Scotia. More than 10 of these plants are considered "species at risk" and are in danger of becoming extinct. Dock-building, beach clearing and other human activity are considered responsible for the decline of these species.

• Carolinian forest: This ecosystem is found in southern Ontario. The region’s balmy year-round temperatures make it an ideal breeding ground for a biologically diverse habitat. The term "Carolinian" comes from the fact that these forests are similar to those found as far south as the United States’ Carolinas. Carolinian Forest, one of Canada’s most threatened ecosystems, is characterized by species such as black gum, sassafras, papaw and Kentucky coffee tree. In areas of southwestern Ontario, less than 10 percent of the forests remain – leaving a variety of species in danger of becoming extirpated or extinct.

• Tall grass prairie: Southern Manitoba’s Red River Valley was once characterized by an expansive landscape of tall grass prairie. This at-risk ecosystem is dominated by grasses that stand more than two metres high and is home to a variety of flora and wildlife. Because tall grass prairies grow in deep fertile soils, Canada’s early settlers cultivated the land for agricultural purposes. Today, less than one percent of Manitoba’s tall grass prairie remains.

• South Okanagan’s antelope-brush ecosystem: British Columbia’s southern Okanagan Valley provides the ideal climate for the antelope-brush ecosystem. This habitat is home to a variety of endangered wildlife species including the western rattlesnake, wind scorpion and the tiger salamander. Some plants and animals that exist in this ecosystem aren’t found anywhere else in Canada. In fact, some species of invertebrates don’t exist anywhere else on earth. About 40 percent of the antelope-brush ecosystem remains and less than 10 percent of the habitat has been left relatively undisturbed.

• Coastal Douglas fir forest: Only fragments remain of old-growth Douglas fir forests on B.C.’s dry coastal plains, landing this ecosystem on the province’s list of rare and endangered species. Residential development, the logging industry and invasive exotic species threaten this ecosystem.

• Eelgrass meadow: An eelgrass meadow is a marine ecosystem boasting an ideal habitat for invertebrates such as crabs, clams, snails and small crustaceans. The eelgrass plant itself is a seagrass that grows in shallow saltwater off the coast of B.C. Its aquatic meadows are important spawning grounds for herring and the ecosystem supports a variety of species. Commercial development, agriculture, boat activity, forestry and pollution have all contributed to a decline of eelgrass meadows.