Plants, animals and ecosystems

We are fortunate in B.C. to enjoy the greatest diversity of species, ecosystems and habitats of any province or territory in Canada. At the same time, biodiversity and ecosystem health are under threat here and globally.

Healthy ecosystems provide important “services,” like clean air and water, healthy forests and farms, and habitat for our plants and animals. British Columbia contains a diverse range of ecosystems that support thousands of individual plant and animal species.

Plants provide humans and other animals with food and shelter, cool the environment and help provide clean air and water. Fungi break down dead material, make nutrients available to other living things, and form connections with trees that help keep forests healthy. 

When we take care of B.C.’s wildlife and the habitats in which they live, our own health and our economy benefit, too. Learn about collecting, sharing and accessing scientific data and information about wildlife in B.C below. 

Species or ecosystems that are at risk of being lost can be assessed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. B.C. has an internationally important role in conservation with its diversity of ecosystems and landscapes that provide homes for many regionally, nationally, and globally significant species. 

Exotic animals, such as alligators, monkeys and pythons, are known as controlled alien species in British Columbia. Controlled alien species are animal species that are not native to our province and are therefore not considered wildlife. The B.C. government regulates all interactions with controlled alien species to ensure public safety.

Invasive species are plants or animals that are not native to the province, or are outside of their natural distribution. Invasive species negatively impact British Columbia’s environment, people and/or economy.

The B.C. Conservation Data Centre (CDC) assists in the conservation of our province's biodiversity by collecting and sharing scientific data and information about wildlife and ecosystems in B.C.