Lawyers representing Ontario Nature and Wildlands League are in court today in Toronto to challenge the province's weakened endangered species legislation.

The groups allege the regulatory changes harm species by allowing major industries to avoid strict standards intended to protect at-risk species and their habitats.

The province's 155 at-risk species include the American eel, Blanding's Turtle, Acadian flycatcher and the woodland caribou.

Caroline Schultz of Ontario Nature says the government has abandoned Ontario's most imperilled wildlife, reneging on a promise to give these species the protection they need.