The wooded valleys through which
the Thames River meanders are mostly within the
northern limits of the deciduous forest region -
also known as the Carolinian Life Zone.
This region contains vegetation
and wildlife that are unique in Canada. Much of
the original woodland has been clearcut and the
marshes drained. The remaining 10% of the
woodlands and 17% of the wetlands provide
important habitats for many endangered species.
One mammal, 2 turtles, 10 plants, 11 fish and 13
birds found in this watershed were on the 1996
Canadian Species at Risk List. Six of these
species were listed as endangered, 10 as
threatened and 21 as vulnerable. See the list of Species Shown on the Thames
Watershed Map and the list of Illustrations.
Most of the area depicted on the Thames Watershed
map lies within the Carolinian Zone. The
exception is the area lying roughly north of St. Mary's.
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