The Okanagan has been highlighted as one of five regions the most in need of environmental protection across Canada.
According to the World Wildlife Foundation, Okanagan habitats are considered to be inadequately protected while also being home to a variety of unique wildlife.
Animals such as the pallid bat and the desert nightsnake are two of dozens of creatures highlighted by the WWF that make the region a species hotspot.
Hot dry summers and mild winters, along with a mix of grassland, forest and desert-like areas make the Okanagan a rich ecosystem that offers a highly diverse habitat.
However, expanding road and housing infrastructure due to the growing human population is highlighted by the organization as adding pressure to the local ecosystem.
The four other areas highlighted alongside the Okanagan are Yukon and the Northwest Territories, the Prairie grasslands, Southern Ontario and Quebec and the Saint John River watershed.
To read the full report, click here.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
