PART ONE: Exciting Wildlife Discoveries and Success Stories!
A dedicated group of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) biologists work tirelessly to gather important data on the diverse species found in our forests, wetlands, meadows, rivers, and lakes.
The data we collect each year is needed to assess what conservation actions are needed to ensure a healthy, thriving natural environment that benefits both people and wildlife.
This information serves as a key tool for shaping important actions such as restoring habitats, managing land use, and conserving water resources.
Every year brings new discoveries and inspiring success stories. In this two-part blog series, we highlight the most captivating field stories from Toronto and region in 2024.
Explore our wildlife stories below. Visit this page to learn about the unique plant and vegetation communities we found this year along the Oak Ridges Moraine.
SPOTTED GAR (Lepisosteus oculatus)
During our two-week night electrofishing surveys in July, TRCA made an incredible find: a Spotted Gar! This marks the first record of this fish species in over 30 years of waterfront fisheries surveys in the region.
Known for its long snout and spotted body, the Spotted Gar is an endangered native fish that is very rare in Lake Ontario.
This ancient and primitive fish species can breathe air when it comes to the surface, and its sharp teeth demonstrate its role as a top predator.
This discovery underscores the need to continue to monitor and understand the biodiversity of our local waters so we can make informed decisions about how to safeguard habitat for fish communities.
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW (Ammodramus savannarum)
The presence of a species at risk – the Grasshopper Sparrow – in a habitat restoration meadow project in Vaughan is a promising sign for conservation.
This secretive bird, which typically nests at the base of grasses and forages on the ground, was spotted on five breeding territories at this site. Watching the males sing during breeding season was a real treat!
This site also supported breeding territories of other meadow-dependent species at risk: Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark.
AMERICAN BITTERN (Botaurus lentiginosus)
Thanks to a beaver dam, an increase in water levels at one of our Humber River long-term wetland monitoring stations appears to have created nesting habitat for American Bitterns.
The higher water levels may have led to increased abundance of this bird’s favourite foods: fish, insects, and frogs.
Although their unique unk-a-chunk call was not heard this season, the sighting of a nesting pair is a hopeful indication that we may hear the thrilling sound of their calls in 2025.
PUMPKINSEED (Lepomis gibbosus)
During the first monitoring surveys of the newly created Don River wetlands, Pumpkinseed were among the species observed by TRCA’s Lake Environmental Monitoring Program field crews.
This area, once part of the historic Ashbridges Bay wetlands, was filled in during the 1920s to make way for industrial development. Now, through the Don Mouth Naturalization Project, parts of these lost wetlands are being reclaimed.
The presence of multiple fish at various life stages highlights early success of this incredible restoration project.
HARVESTER (Feniseca Tarquinius)
The Harvester, North America’s only carnivorous butterfly, adds a unique twist to local biodiversity: their caterpillars feed on native Woolly Aphids.
The Harvester, North America’s only carnivorous butterfly, adds a unique twist to local biodiversity: their caterpillars feed on native Woolly Aphids.
The Harvester’s presence along the Etobicoke Creek Trail in Brampton is notable, especially since it’s the only recorded sighting in this municipality outside of Heart Lake Conservation Park (according to iNaturalist).
Shortly after this photo was taken, a pair of hungry Northern Cardinals caught the butterfly. We were lucky to be in the right place at the right time to witness this beautiful butterfly.
LITTLE YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Pyrisitia lisa)
The Little Yellow Butterfly is a vagrant species in the Toronto region, meaning it is currently outside its typical wintering and breeding areas.
This butterfly was spotted in The Meadoway. Weather or climate patterns may have contributed to its appearance.
Since 2012, there have been only 48 iNaturalist records for the Little Yellow in southwestern Ontario, so it will remain classified as a vagrant until more evidence suggests otherwise.
Nonetheless, it’s exciting to observe a species that we don’t normally encounter during our long-term monitoring and biological inventory surveys!
EASTERN PONDMUSSEL (Sagittunio nasutus)
In the summer of 2024, freshwater mussel shell surveys were conducted across nine watersheds within TRCA’s jurisdiction. These surveys were integrated into routine fieldwork as part of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program.
Two Eastern Pondmussel shells were recovered from Duffins Creek. This was a significant field find as this species is designated “Special Concern” under Canadian conservation status (downlisted from Endangered in 2019).
This is the only current recorded evidence of this species in Duffins Creek, with previous sightings limited to Rouge River Marsh and Carruthers Creek within TRCA’s jurisdiction.
Eastern Pondmussels are critical indicators of freshwater health and rely on specific fish hosts for reproduction. Their presence is closely tied to water quality and ecosystem stability.
Although only weathered shells were found, this discovery suggests a historical or current presence within Duffins Creek.
These natural wonders and discoveries – from elusive birds and butterflies to fish and mussels – reveal the rich biodiversity of TRCA’s jurisdiction and demonstrate the importance of monitoring efforts to safeguard such remarkable species.
Spotted some interesting wildlife in your area? Share your observations with TRCA on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.
Scientific data collection and research informs decisions affecting the natural areas and watercourses within our region. Learn more!