List of Canadian Wildlife Species

List of Canadian Wildlife Species: The Dominion Of Canada is home to around 80,000 species of wild animals and plants. It has around 200 mammals, over 460 birds, over 40 amphibians, over 40 reptiles, and over 1,200 fish species. On the other hand, the country has 17,000 identified species of floras including trees, flowers, herbs, ferns, mosses, and others.

In terms of wildlife population, rodents are the most found mammals in Canada. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, the populations of the at-risk species have declined around 59% on average since 1970 in the country. Check the list of Canadian Wildlife Species in detail.

List of Canadian Wildlife Species

Canada has 20 big habitats, with 15 on land and 5 in the sea. The main habitats are tundra, dense forest, grassland, and temperate deciduous forest. After the last ice age, Canada developed eight unique forest regions. About half of Canada’s land is covered in forests, which is around 8 percent of the world’s forested areas. Here is the list of wildlife species of Canada as mentioned below.

List of Canadian Wildlife Species
Species Name	Domain	IUCN Red List Status	Canadian Ecosystem
Moose (Alces alces)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
Black bear (Ursus americanus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Coastal Ecosystem
Beaver (Castor canadensis)	Fauna	Least Concern	Wetlands
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)	Fauna	Vulnerable	Tundra
Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica)	Fauna	Least Concern	Coastal Ecosystem
Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
Gray wolf (Canis lupus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)	Fauna	Least Concern	Freshwater Ecosystem
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)	Fauna	Vulnerable	Arctic Tundra
Orca (Orcinus orca)	Fauna	Data Deficient	Marine Ecosystem
Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas)	Fauna	Near Threatened	Marine Ecosystem
Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
American beech (Fagus grandifolia)	Flora	Least Concern	Deciduous Forest
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)	Fauna	Vulnerable	Marine Ecosystem
American black duck (Anas rubripes)	Fauna	Least Concern	Wetlands
Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Tundra
Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
American mink (Neovison vison)	Fauna	Least Concern	Wetlands
North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)	Fauna	Least Concern	Wetlands
Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.)	Fauna	Least Concern	Freshwater Ecosystem
Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)	Fauna	Threatened	Boreal Forest
Eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Deciduous Forest
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus)	Fauna	Endangered	Freshwater Ecosystem
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
American toad (Anaxyrus americanus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Wetlands
Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Grassland
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Wetlands
Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
Common loon (Gavia immer)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)	Fauna	Least Concern	Deciduous Forest
American badger (Taxidea taxus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Grassland
Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis)	Flora	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
Eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Wetlands
Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Marine Ecosystem
American eel (Anguilla rostrata)	Fauna	Critically Endangered	Freshwater Ecosystem
Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)	Fauna	Least Concern	Marine Ecosystem
Canada goose (Branta canadensis)	Fauna	Least Concern	Wetlands
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)	Flora	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
Moosewood (Acer pensylvanicum)	Flora	Least Concern	Mixed Forest
Boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)	Fauna	Least Concern	Boreal Forest
American kestrel (Falco sparverius)	Fauna	Least Concern	Grassland
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)	Fauna	Least Concern	Mixed Forest

Ecozones Of Wildlife Species Of Canada

Canada has 20 big ecosystems called ecozones, with 15 on land and 5 in the ocean. These ecozones are split into smaller parts: 53 ecoprovinces, 194 ecoregions, and 1,027 ecodistricts. This system helps understand Canada’s natural diversity, set up in 2017. It shows different types of environments across the country, influenced by living and non-living factors. Here are the Ecozones name and Area as mentioned below.

Ecozone	Total area (km²)
Arctic Cordillera	242,190
Northern Arctic	1,507,872
Southern Arctic	839,760
Taiga Plains	652,125
Taiga Shield	1,381,821
Boreal Shield	1,937,517
Atlantic Maritime	213,863
Mixedwood Plains	168,204
Boreal Plains	737,287
Prairies	465,094
Taiga Cordillera	265,375
Boreal Cordillera	467,870
Pacific Maritime	207,925
Montane Cordillera	487,896
Hudson Plains	373,718
Total	9,948,517

Marine Ecozones Of Wildlife Species Of Canada

Canada is split into 5 marine regions based on a plan made by the Ecological Stratification Working Group in 1995. They are all connected, except for the Pacific one, which borders other countries and Canadian land regions. The biggest is the Arctic Archipelago, which goes into colder areas. Here are the major details as mentioned below.

Ecozone	Area (km²) Territorial waters	Area (km²) Exclusive Economic Zone	Percentage of total area (for EEZ)	Percentage of marine area (for EEZ)
Pacific Marine	102,920	457,646	3.1	8.3
Arctic Basin Marine	24,997	704,849	4.8	12.7
Arctic Archipelago Marine	2,051,393	2,178,998	14.8	39.3
Northwest Atlantic Marine	536,895	1,205,981	8.2	21.8
Atlantic Marine	72,144	996,439	6.8	17.9
Total	2,788,349	5,543,913	37.7	100.0

1. Polar Bear – Total Count 22,000

Polar bears live in the cold Arctic regions of Canada. Canada is home to a lot of polar bears, estimated to be between 16,000 to 25,000 bears. Polar bears are at risk because of climate change, mainly due to the melting ice. Indigenous communities in the Arctic hunt polar bears for food and cultural reasons. Many tourists come to Canada, especially places like Churchill, Manitoba, to see polar bears in their natural home. Canada is actively studying polar bears to learn more about them and help protect them better.

Polar Bear – Total Count 22,000
Habitat	Arctic regions, primarily sea ice areas
Range	Throughout Canada’s northern coastlines
Diet	Mainly seals, also fish and occasionally birds
Status	Listed as “Special Concern” by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) due to declining populations and threats from climate change and habitat loss
Conservation	Managed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in Canada, with conservation efforts focused on habitat protection, reducing human-bear conflicts, and addressing climate change impacts
Population	Approximately 16,000-22,000 individuals, with the majority residing in Canada
Notable Traits	Large, carnivorous mammals adapted to life in icy environments, known for their excellent swimming abilities and reliance on sea ice for hunting and breeding
Threats	Climate change, loss of sea ice habitat, pollution, human-bear conflicts, and overhunting in some areas

2. Moose – Total Count 500,000

Moose, which are big deer, live in Canada’s forests and swamps. They have long legs and flat antlers on their heads. Moose eat leaves, twigs, and plants they find in the woods, and sometimes they munch on trees in the winter. They usually stay alone, except during mating season when they search for partners. People try to keep them safe from dangers like losing their homes or getting hit by cars. Moose help the environment by eating plants and being food for other animals. Some people hunt moose for fun and food, which helps the local economy.

Moose – Total Count 500,000
Habitat	Forests, wetlands, and open areas across Canada
Range	Throughout Canada, particularly in northern regions
Diet	Herbivorous, primarily consuming leaves, twigs, and bark
Size	Largest member of the deer family, can weigh up to 700 kg
Status	Abundant, but populations can vary regionally
Conservation	Managed through hunting regulations and habitat protection
Notable Facts	Iconic symbol of Canadian wildlife

3. Grizzly Bear – Total Count 29,150

The big grizzly bear, mainly found in western Canada, is strong, weighing up to 1,300 pounds and standing over 6 feet tall. They live in forests and meadows, eating plants, berries, and sometimes catching fish or small animals. Grizzly bears mostly live alone, roaming large areas, but they might gather where food is plentiful, like salmon spawning grounds. Despite their size, they are at risk due to losing their homes, fighting with humans, and illegal hunting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting where they live, reducing fights, and making sure there are enough grizzly bears for the future.

Grizzly Bear – Total Count 29,150
Habitat	Mountainous regions, forests, meadows, and tundra
Range	Western and northern Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories
Diet	Omnivorous: mainly eats plants, berries, fish, and small mammals
Conservation Status	Varies by region, generally listed as “Special Concern” or “Threatened”
Population	Estimated around 25,000 to 30,000 individuals
Threats	Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, climate change
Protection	Managed through hunting regulations, protected areas, and conservation programs

4. Caribou – Total Count 2.4 Million

Caribou are large deer that live in the cold parts of Canada. They have big antlers and thick fur to help them in the snow. Caribou eat plants like grass and bushes, and they are prey for animals like wolves and bears. People in Canada, especially Indigenous groups, really like and respect caribou. They use them for food, clothing, and shelter, and they think of them as strong and important. But caribou are having a tough time because their homes are being destroyed by things like building and climate change. Some types of caribou are now in danger.

Caribou – Total Count 2.4 Million
Habitat	Arctic tundra, boreal forests, and mountain ranges
Diet	Lichens, grasses, sedges, and shrubs
Population Status	Varies by subspecies; some are declining
Conservation Status	Some subspecies are considered threatened
Range	Throughout northern and central Canada
Predators	Wolves, bears, and humans
Unique Features	Large antlers, migratory behavior

5. Gray Wolf – Total Count 60,000

The gray wolf in Canada is very important. It lives in many different areas in Canada, like forests and grasslands. Wolves eat animals like deer and moose, which helps keep the environment balanced. But sometimes, they cause problems for farmers because they attack farm animals. People are trying to protect wolves by saving their homes and finding ways for them to live peacefully with humans. Indigenous people also think wolves are special and include them in their stories and traditions.

Gray Wolf – Total Count 60,000
Habitat	Gray wolves inhabit various ecosystems in Canada, including forests, tundra, and mountains.
Diet	They are primarily carnivorous, preying on large mammals such as deer, moose, and caribou, along with smaller prey like rodents and birds.
Range	Gray wolves are distributed throughout Canada, with significant populations found in wilderness areas and national parks.
Conservation Status	The gray wolf is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN. However, certain populations are threatened by factors such as habitat loss, conflicts with humans, and hunting.
Population	The Canadian gray wolf population is estimated to consist of several thousand individuals, though numbers can fluctuate due to factors such as prey availability and human activities.

6. Bald Eagle – Total Count 50,000

The Bald Eagle is a significant bird in Canada, known for its strong symbolism. It has a white head and tail that contrast with its dark brown body. It lives in different parts of Canada and mainly eats fish like salmon and trout. With a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters, it can fly easily. Despite facing problems like losing its home and pollution, efforts to save Bald Eagles in Canada have been successful.

Bald Eagle – Total Count 50,000
Habitat	Coastal areas, lakes, rivers, and forests
Range	Found throughout Canada, particularly in coastal areas
Diet	Mainly fish, also small mammals and birds
Conservation Status	Least Concern (Population stable)
Notable Features	White head and tail, yellow beak, impressive wingspan

7. Beaver – Total Count 12 Million

The beaver is a very important animal in Canada. It’s like a symbol of working hard and being strong. Pictures of beavers can be seen on coins and flags. Beavers are famous for building dams and homes called lodges in rivers and lakes. A long time ago, people hunted beavers a lot for their fur, which caused big changes in Canada. Nowadays, people try to protect beavers and keep them safe. Beavers are really important for keeping the environment healthy because they create homes for other animals and change the land.

Beaver – Total Count 12 Million
Habitat	Lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands
Diet	Herbivore; primarily eats bark, leaves, roots
Lifespan	10-15 years in the wild
Conservation	Least Concern (population stable)
Importance	National symbol of Canada; significant role in ecosystem engineering and conservation of wetland habitats

8. Canada Lynx – Total Count 10,000

The Canada lynx is a big cat that lives in Canada’s forests. It has furry ears and moves very gracefully. It hunts mostly rabbits and has big paws that help it walk in the snow. These cats like to be alone and are active at night. They make territories where they live and mark them with their smell. The forests in Canada are a good home for these cats. But they have problems because people are cutting down trees, making the forests smaller. Also, the weather is changing, which is making it harder for them to find food.

Canada Lynx – Total Count 10,000
Habitat	Boreal forests, mixed forests, tundra
Range	Throughout Canada, particularly in northern regions
Diet	Mainly snowshoe hares, also rodents and birds
Size	Medium-sized wildcat, about the size of a large dog
Characteristics	Distinctive tufted ears, long legs, thick fur
Conservation Status	Least Concern

9. Beluga Whale – Total Count 90,000

The beluga whale, known for its white color and rounded forehead, lives in Canada’s cold northern waters. Indigenous communities in Canada’s north have cultural ties to these whales, often calling them the “singers of the sea” because of their diverse sounds. Belugas live in groups called pods, ranging from a few to hundreds of individuals. They live in places like the Churchill River estuary in Manitoba, the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, and the Beaufort Sea. However, belugas face threats from habitat harm, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts in Canada involve research, protecting their homes, and working together with governments, conservation groups, and indigenous communities to keep them safe.

Beluga Whale – Total Count 90,000
Habitat	Arctic and subarctic waters, including Hudson Bay, Beaufort Sea, and the St. Lawrence River estuary
Population Status	Varied across regions; some populations are stable, while others are threatened or endangered
Conservation Status	Protected under Canadian law; some populations are listed as endangered or of special concern
Key Features	White or light gray coloring, distinctive rounded forehead, flexible neck, and melon-shaped head
Diet	Predominantly fish, such as Arctic cod, but also eat squid, crustaceans, and other small marine animals
Behavior	Social animals, often found in pods; known for their vocalizations and complex communication
Reproduction	Typically give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 14 to 15 months
Threats	Habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, and disturbance from human activities
Conservation Efforts	Efforts include habitat protection, monitoring of populations, reducing pollution, and mitigating impacts of human activities

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List of Canadian Wildlife Species – FAQs

How many species of wildlife are in Canada?

Canada is home to about 80,000 species, many of which face numerous threats to their survival. Our most recent Living Planet Report Canada found that populations of at-risk species have declined 59% on average since 1970.

What is the most common wildlife in Canada?

Canada is known for its giant residents: moose, wood bison, polar bears, and grizzlies. But in terms of population, rodents are the most plentiful mammals in Canada.

What animal is only found in Canada?

Newfoundland Marten. This endemic marten is one of only 15 mammals living the Newfoundland island life and its integral role in the ecosystem can’t be overstated. The Newfoundland Marten helps control prey populations through their feverish appetite for red-back voles and other small scurrying mammals.

Do tigers live in Canada?

Canada is home to an estimated 4,000 privately-owned big cats, including lions, tigers, and jaguars.

What is the largest animal in Canada?

The wood bison is the largest land animal in Canada. Adults have dark brown coats with long shaggy fur on their shoulders and legs. They have large humps on their backs, and very large heads. Male bison are typically larger than female bison.

What rare animal is found in Canada?

Peary Caribou are only found in Canada. It’s our responsibility to prevent their extinction.

What is Canada’s national bird?

The Canada Jay was actually known as the Canada Jay for over 200 years, but in 1957, the American Ornithologists’ Union Checklist Committee wrangled over subspecies issues with this bird and “accidentally” decided to rename it as one species — the Gray Jay.

Does Canada have a national animal?

Another highly recognizable national Canadian symbol is the beaver, Canada’s national animal. Beavers are also connected to Canada’s history because of their major role in the fur trade.