Nature and science

Rouge National Urban Park is home to 1,700 species, including more than 1,000 plant species, 247 bird species, 73 fish species, 44 mammal species, and 27 reptile and amphibian species. This tally includes 42 species at risk (species classified as endangered, threatened or of special concern) as well as many locally rare plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

The Rouge’s relatively high biodiversity is a result of the park's location and its many variations in topography, micro-climates, soil type and land use. Many types of habitat are found within the park, including forests, thickets, meadows, wetlands, rivers and agricultural fields. The park lies at the northern edge of the Carolinian Life Zone, a type of forest ecosystem that supports a rich diversity of life, including many rare and endangered species.