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CWD program review 2012

Description

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an invasive alien prion agent that recently arrived in eastern Alberta. The prion causes fatal infections in cervids and significantly alters the population... More ≫

Description

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an invasive alien prion agent that recently arrived in eastern Alberta. The prion causes fatal infections in cervids and significantly alters the population structure and viability of local deer herds. There is no natural barrier to further spread, no treatment to eliminate infections, and no feasible live animal test to identify infected deer. CWD has significant environmental, social, and economic effects by altering major ecosystem structure and function, as well as decreasing recreational harvest and guiding/outfitting activity. Alberta was proactive in looking for occurrence of CWD and initially proactive in responding once it was found. Current programs focus on monitoring the ongoing geographic spread and numerical increase in eastern deer populations. Hunter harvest is the primary tool to find infected deer. Population reduction is the only known tool to manage CWD in wild deer.

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Gillett's Checkerspot in the Southern Headwaters At Risk Project (SHARP) area

Description

Gillett's Checkerspot is a colourful and distinctive butterfly that has a very small global range and a global conservation status rank of imperiled/vulnerable. The species is relatively well... More ≫

Description

Gillett's Checkerspot is a colourful and distinctive butterfly that has a very small global range and a global conservation status rank of imperiled/vulnerable. The species is relatively well known with respect to its biology and ecology. Available information is summarized in this report and differences between USA and Alberta populations are discussed. The ecology of the species renders it amenable to integration with economic activity. It can be accommodated without significant expense or impact on other natural resource uses. In some cases, forest canopy removal associated with development can be a positive factor for the species but in the past this has been an accidental byproduct of such activity. Brief strategic and operations guidelines are recommended.

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