Wild Ontario, our new exhibit at the Butterfly Conservatory, introduces visitors to the amazing diversity of Ontario’s native species. Wild Ontario is included with regular admission to the Conservatory and features a live animal exhibit, panel displays and zoo keepers that are available on-site to help educate visitors on both common and at-risk Ontario species and what we can do to help protect them.

1. Ontario is home to 26 species of amphibians

Ontario is home to 13 species of salamander and 13 species of frogs and toads. Most frogs and salamanders congregate in wetlands during their breeding season.

2. Amphibians can breathe through their skin

Most amphibians have wet, absorptive skin and live in water or moist environments like forest floors or underground. They absorb water, oxygen and nutrients through their skin which is generally moist and scaleless. In some species of salamanders, respiration is performed entirely through the skin and the mucous membranes of the mouth.

 3. Amphibians are environmental indicator species

Scientists refer to amphibians as an “environmental indicator species”. These sensitive species can act as an early warning to biologists because their presence indicates when an environment is healthy or when it is becoming polluted.

Learn more about environmental protection in Niagara Parks here.