Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is rich in biodiversity, that is, in total variety of plants, animals and micro-organisms. The park is located at the crossroads of several different biological communities. Plants and animals more often associated with parts of northern Canada, the Pacific Coast, and the prairies to the east, mingle here with alpine and Rocky Mountain plants and animals. The result is a mixture of plants and animals that do not usually live together and higher numbers of species than less complex areas.

Number of Species in Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park

Group
Lichens: 275 (GNP), 220 (WLNP) 
Bryophytes (mosses & liverworts): 400 (GNP), 190 (WLNP)
Vascular plants: 1150 (GNP), 970 (WLNP)

Vertebrates
Fish: 24 (GNP), 24 (WLNP)
Reptiles & Amphibians: 8 (GNP), 10 (WLNP)
Birds 272 (GNP), 260 (WLNP)
Mammals 63 (GNP), 60 (WLNP)