All Resources

Species at risk survey report : loggerhead shrike survey 2019

Description

In Alberta, the loggerhead shrike is considered to be a Species of Special Concern. Since 1987, a prairie-wide roadside survey has been conducted every five years to monitor populations. This... More ≫

Description

In Alberta, the loggerhead shrike is considered to be a Species of Special Concern. Since 1987, a prairie-wide roadside survey has been conducted every five years to monitor populations. This report summarizes results of the 2019 survey conducted in Alberta, and compares results with surveys conducted in 1987, 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013.

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Species at risk survey report : greater sage-grouse lek census 2023

Description

The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is arguably Alberta’s most “at risk” species. Monitoring of sage-grouse in Alberta has been sporadic since it began in 1968. However, since the... More ≫

Description

The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is arguably Alberta’s most “at risk” species. Monitoring of sage-grouse in Alberta has been sporadic since it began in 1968. However, since the species decline was documented in the mid-1990s a concerted effort has been made to monitor the population each spring. This report summarizes results of the lek counts conducted in 2023.

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Species at risk 2014-15 recovery action summary : Ord's kangaroo rat

Description

Presents background information on the Ord's kangaroo rat, including its risk category and where it can be found in Alberta. Lists the recovery plan in effect and the recovery goal for the Ord's... More ≫

Description

Presents background information on the Ord's kangaroo rat, including its risk category and where it can be found in Alberta. Lists the recovery plan in effect and the recovery goal for the Ord's kangaroo rat, strategies being used to reach the recovery goal, a short summary of progress on recent and ongoing recovery actions, and any upcoming actions being considered to aid recovery of the species.

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Distribution and population trends of the Canadian toad (Anaxyrus hemiophrys) in Alberta

Description

The objectives of this study were to collect and collate all available data on Canadian toads and conduct a preliminary assessment of the trends in distribution and population size for the... More ≫

Description

The objectives of this study were to collect and collate all available data on Canadian toads and conduct a preliminary assessment of the trends in distribution and population size for the Canadian toad in Alberta. Canadian toads are still widespread, but the number of populations seems to have decreased in the Parkland and Grasslands regions of Alberta despite an increase in survey effort. The lack of province-wide, standardized surveys makes it difficult to assess the status of Canadian toad in Alberta. However, comparing the proportion of Canadian toad observations reported from 1998-2007 versus 1988-1997, to observations of other anuran species (wood frogs, chorus frogs, and western toads) suggests a decline has occurred.

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Turkey vultures : a photographic guide for aging nestlings

Description

Photographs of known-age nestlings, from hatching (age 0) to 67 days of age, are presented, and accompanying descriptive notes provided, with the intent of allowing users of this catalogue to... More ≫

Description

Photographs of known-age nestlings, from hatching (age 0) to 67 days of age, are presented, and accompanying descriptive notes provided, with the intent of allowing users of this catalogue to estimate the age of nestling turkey vultures, from their own photographs, to within +- two days, without handling the young birds.

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Burrowing owl population trends on the Kininvie Blocks from 1993-2007, and ancillary data for additional species at risk in 2007

Description

Declining populations of burrowing owls in both Canada and Alberta have led to status designations of Endangered, both nationally and provincially. Alberta's Burrowing Owl Recovery Team published... More ≫

Description

Declining populations of burrowing owls in both Canada and Alberta have led to status designations of Endangered, both nationally and provincially. Alberta's Burrowing Owl Recovery Team published a ministerial-approved provincial recovery plan in 2005. The plan recommends continuing the provincial burrowing owl monitoring program in the 160 quarter sections of primarily native prairie in the Eastern Irrigation District, east and south of Brooks, collectively known as the Kininvie Blocks (K-blocks). Burrowing owl nest density has been indexed in the K-blocks 11 of the 15 years spanning 1993-2007, with the most recent surveys completed in 2007. Declines in nest density have been recorded consistently since 1997. This report documents burrowing owl nest density from 1993-2007, and includes descriptions of nest sites located in 2007.

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Bird populations on the shoreline of Buffalo Lake : identification of priority areas for conservation

Description

Buffalo Lake is one of the largest lakes in central Alberta and is recognized as being important for breeding waterbirds. The lake is also becoming increasingly popular for recreational and other... More ≫

Description

Buffalo Lake is one of the largest lakes in central Alberta and is recognized as being important for breeding waterbirds. The lake is also becoming increasingly popular for recreational and other developments. Several planning exercises are underway that will guide development and land use around Buffalo Lake. In 2007, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, conducted a comprehensive survey of bird species around Buffalo Lake. The goal was to prioritize shoreline areas based on the abundance and relative conservation importance of species around the lake, and to highlight areas where the protection of important bird habitats should be incorporated into land-use decisions. A total of 145 species of birds were detected or encountered during point counts, and other activities on the lake. Thirty of these species were classified being of "Sensitive" status in Alberta; no species of higher risk were present in 2007. Areas of high or very high conservation value were identified based on the...

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The 2003 loggerhead shrike survey in Alberta

Description

In Alberta, the loggerhead shrike is considered to be a Species of Special Concern. Since 1987, a prairie-wide roadside survey has been conducted every five years to monitor populations. This... More ≫

Description

In Alberta, the loggerhead shrike is considered to be a Species of Special Concern. Since 1987, a prairie-wide roadside survey has been conducted every five years to monitor populations. This report summarizes results of the 2003 survey conducted in Alberta. Observers recorded 168 shrikes at 144 unique locations. Shrike densities have shifted over the last three surveys, possibly in response to recent drought. However, populations remain highest in the east-central parts of the province. Shrikes were found in a wide variety of upland and grassland types, with most birds being associated with mixed trees and shrubs or shelterbelts. Estimates suggest an overall population of 8,327 pairs in Alberta.

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Distribution, abundance and habitat selection of northern pygmy and barred owls along the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rocky Mountains

Description

Little is known about the distribution, population size and habitat use requirements of northern pygmy and barred owls in Alberta. Both species are ranked as Sensitive by the province, which means... More ≫

Description

Little is known about the distribution, population size and habitat use requirements of northern pygmy and barred owls in Alberta. Both species are ranked as Sensitive by the province, which means they may require special attention or protection to prevent them from becoming at risk. Diurnal and nocturnal broadcast surveys were conducted to determine distribution, abundance and habitat selection of both species, over approximately 37 000 square kilometres of Alberta's eastern slopes. This project has confirmed that northern pygmy and barred owls are widely distributed and occur at low densities throughout the study area. In doing so, it provides the first population density estimate for northern pygmy owls in Alberta, and refined barred owl estimates based on new data and the use of distance sampling. Additionally, the use of habitat selection models and geographical information systems will now enable managers to focus future survey efforts, set habitat goals and evaluate the...

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Conservation overview of butterflies in the southern headwaters at risk project (SHARP) area

Description

An overview was conducted of the butterflies of the Southern Headwaters at Risk Project (SHARP) area in extreme southwestern Alberta. The project resulted in compilation of a preliminary... More ≫

Description

An overview was conducted of the butterflies of the Southern Headwaters at Risk Project (SHARP) area in extreme southwestern Alberta. The project resulted in compilation of a preliminary bibliography and a table of species known from the study area as well as those that may yet be found in the study area. Distribution and general habitat association is presented within a natural regions mapping framework. Peak flight periods are provided in summary form to aid future field surveys for target species. The SHARP area is the most productive area in the province in terms of butterfly species diversity. with 78 % of all known Alberta species known from this small comer of the province. The area is also home to 9 species that are not known from any other area of Alberta and 31 species that are considered to be species at risk. The area is therefore highly significant both provincially and nationally.

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