Point Pelee. 27/05/87; Ontario; 1,564 ha; 41°59'N 082°30'W. National Park. A spit resulting from erosion and deposition, bordered by forested, coastal dunes and beach ridges, and an 850ha peat marsh overlain by sand. The marsh occupies a closed drainage system and includes small lakes and ponds. Due to their southerly location, the marshes are unique in Canada, supporting four major vegetation communities. Several species of Anatidae (ducks, geese, swans, etc.) and other waterbirds breed in the marshes, but the nearshore waters of Lake Erie support spectacular concentrations of staging ducks, notably Mergus serrator and M. merganser. Point Pelee is an internationally important resting area for the migratory butterfly Danaus plexippus. Ramsar site no. 368. Most recent RIS information: 2001.