Nature, Habitats and Parks
Montreal offers a unique setting within a diverse natural environment, supporting not only common animals and plants adapted to human activities but also species from nearby untouched areas less accustomed to urban life.
Habitats
Freshwater Habitats
- Pond: Small, naturally formed or human-made ponds, as well as temporary ponds that emerge in spring from melting snow in forests and prairies.
- Wetland: Flooded areas near rivers, lakes, and ponds, either temporarily or year-round, supporting diverse plant and animal life adapted to saturated soils.
- Lake: Large, permanent bodies of freshwater, often surrounded by forests or wetlands, providing vital habitats for aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
- River: Watercourses ranging from smaller rivers to the large Saint Lawrence River, which flows into the Saint Lawrence Estuary.
Terrestrial Habitats
- Grasslands: A mix of cultivated and natural grasslands, offering habitats for a diverse range of species, including ground-nesting birds and pollinators.
- Shrubland: Areas dominated by shrubs, often intermixed with patches of grassland and occasional trees, common in drier or transitional habitats.
- Woodland: Open-canopy areas where trees are spaced far enough apart to allow significant sunlight to reach the ground, fostering a rich understory of shrubs and grasses.
- Forest: Dense stands of deciduous trees, often interspersed with pine, transitioning to coniferous forests at higher altitudes or farther north.
Marine & Coastal Habitats
- Coast: Regions along the Saint Lawrence Estuary, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, and the Atlantic Ocean, featuring rocky shores, salt marshes, and sandy beaches.
- Cliff: Steep, rocky outcrops typically found near coastal areas, providing nesting sites for various bird species and habitats for specialized plant communities.
- Ocean: The vast marine environment of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean, supporting rich biodiversity, including fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.
Managed Habitats
- Agricultural Lands: Habitats created by farming, including crop fields and plantations, supporting species adapted to these managed environments.
- Urban: Habitats in cities, towns, and villages, where species adapted to human-made environments thrive, including in parks, gardens, and on building structures.