Algonquin Provincial Park lies in a transition zone between deciduous forests typical of areas to the south of the Park, and coniferous forests, more typical of areas to the north. The result is that both forest types are found within Park boundaries. Superimposed on this basic meeting of north and south is the variety of other habitats resulting from the Park's rugged topography and the impact of modern humans. Even a short trip will take you by maple forest, spruce bogs, road edges, beaver ponds, campgrounds, lakes, and cliffs, and each provides different opportunities that are exploited by different plants and animals.

Along with Algonquin's diversity in habitats comes an associated diversity in plant and animal life. 53 species of mammals, 272 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles and amphibians, 54 species of fish, and approximately 7000 species of insects are known to occur within Algonquin's boundaries! In addition, there are well over 1000 species of plants and another 1000 plus species of fungi growing in the Park!

With such a huge diversity of living things it is not surprising that many people are drawn to Algonquin Park to catch a glimpse of a wild animal or to drink in the beauty of a spring wildflower.

Much of what we know about Algonquin's plants and animals has been learned through scientific research. A tremendous amount of scientific research has taken place in Algonquin Park over the years, and the Park continues to provide an important area for biologists and ecologists. To explore some of these research projects visit The Science Behind Algonauin's Animals Web site. Much of this research has taken place at the Wildlife Research Station located along the Highway 60 corridor. More information about the Wildlife Research Station can be found at the station's Web site: www.uoguelph.ca/~wrs and at The Science Behind Algonquin's Animals Web site.