Dams and water diversion change the natural flow of rivers and creeks, altering the quality of aquatic habitat and possibly leading to species losses and possible ecosystem disturbances.

Some of the species that are in danger in current small scale hydro projects or may be in danger by potential hydro projects have been granted a special status by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). They include both blue and red listed species.

Blue listed species are not immediately threatened, but of concern because of specific characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

Red listed species have been legally designated as endangered, are extirpated or are candidates for such designation.

The following list of animals is threatened by current and future small scale hydro projects. This list is merely a fraction of species that could be at risk and does not include any insect or plant species, for example. Finally, deforestation as a result of these projects is also an issue.

Barn Swallow, Blue Listed
Barn Swallow, Blue Listed

Bull Trout, Blue Listed
Bull Trout, Blue Listed

Green Heron, Blue Listed
Green Heron, Blue Listed

Grizzly Bear, Blue Listed
Grizzly Bear, Blue listed

Marbled Murrelet, Red Listed
Marbled Murrelet, Red Listed

Northern Goshawk, Red Listed
Northern Goshawk, Red Listed

Red Legged Frog, Blue Listed
Red Legged Frog, Blue Listed

Roosevelt Elk, Blue Listed
Roosevelt Elk, Blue Listed

Spotted Owl, Red Listed
Spotted Owl, Red Listed

Western Screech Owl, Blue Listed
Western Screech Owl, Blue Listed

White Sturgeon, Red Listed
White Sturgeon, Red Listed

Coastal Tailed Frog, Blue Listed
Coastal Tailed Frog, Blue Listed