![]() The introduction of alien, invasive species can be particularly devastating. And of course the limited geography of an island puts at risk those species that may live in a place that cannot be replicated or its natural residents easily moved. ![]() ![]() Some species may be unique, or endemic, to one particular island or the special environments that predominate on islands. Certain species may be lacking and other species may be overly abundant, both conditions creating different plant-animal-environment relationships. "Island biogeography" describes the unique nature of those species that evolved and exist in water-isolated places. They are important breeding and staging areas for colonial nesting waterbirds, harbour noteworthy assemblages of plants and animals and provide important stopover sites for migrating birds," according to a comprehensive analysis recently conducted by The Nature Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy of Canada with the support and assistance of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The report "Islands of Life" ( click here for full report) documents the great biodiversity of these islands which are of importance to two nations. include endemic species, rare habitats and critical biological functions. "The Great Lakes islands are outstanding in terms of biological diversity. There are 32,000 islands in the Great Lakes, the world's largest collection of freshwater islands.
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