Type of Protected Areas

Degradation and loss of habitat is a threat to wildlife. Extensive loss or degradation of habitat can put wildlife at risk and can result in species extirpation or extinction. To protect wildlife, especially migratory birds and species at risk and their habitat, Environment Canada establishes two types of protected areas:

• marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas, established under the authority of the Canada Wildlife Act to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat for the purposes of conservation, research, and/or interpretation; and
  
  
• Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, established under the authority of the Migratory Birds Convention Act to protect and conserve migratory birds (as populations and individuals) and their nests.

Both types of protected areas are managed as individual sites, and as part of a national national network. The network currently inlcudes 146 protected areas and protects some of the most important wildlife habitat within Canada’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.