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The CDF contains the highest diversity of plant species in BC
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The CDF contains the highest diversity of over-wintering bird species in Canada
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The CDF contains more species at risk than any other ecological zone in BC2 (25 globally imperiled species and >225 species that are provincially imperiled or threatened)
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98% (42 of 43) of the ecological communities in the CDF are considered “at risk”
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More than 151 introduced invasive species exist in the CDF
Did you know...
The Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone is a unique set of associated ecosystems that occurs on a narrow strip of south-east Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. In this region, in the rainshadow of Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains, a Mediterranean-like climate exists, and allows for a rich flora and fauna to thrive. It is important to understand that the Coastal Douglas-fir includes far more than just Douglas-fir forests. In addition to those forests, the zone includes a wide variety of ecosystems, including Garry Oak ecosystems, wetlands, and shorelines.
What is the Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone?
Why does it matter?
The The CDFCP Region is at risk of losing many of the species, relationships, and healthy ecosystems that define it. Confined to a small area on south eastern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, the natural ecosystems are competing with human pressures, including development, industrial landscape use, increasing numbers and frequency of invasive species, and increased recreational use. Some of the ecosystems associated with the CDFCP Region, such as Coastal Bluffs, Garry Oak ecocystems, and wetland ecosystems, have lost well over 75% of their former area.
Information obtained from the Coastal Douglas-fir Conservation Partnership