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Distribution and abundance of the western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Alberta : an update

Description

This is a compilation of previously-documented and newly-discovered records of the western grebe in Alberta through 2016. The report greatly expands the number of lakes known to be occupied during... More ≫

Description

This is a compilation of previously-documented and newly-discovered records of the western grebe in Alberta through 2016. The report greatly expands the number of lakes known to be occupied during the breeding season to 318, from a previous estimate of 80. The report suggests that western grebes are more abundant and widespread in Alberta than previously thought, and that the current status of "threatened" may require re-evaluation.

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The 2013 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 2013 survey conducted in Alberta, and compares results with surveys conducted in 1987, 1998, 2003 and 2008.

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The willow flycatcher in Alberta : habitat model and field surveys

Description

The willow flycatcher inhabits shrub habitats in in many parts of North America, including the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. In 2002, the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation... More ≫

Description

The willow flycatcher inhabits shrub habitats in in many parts of North America, including the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. In 2002, the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee declared that there was insufficient information on the species to determine an official risk status for the province. The purpose of this study was to help clarify the status of the willow flycatcher in Alberta by compiling all reliable historical records of the species in the province developing a model to identify potential breeding habitat and conducting field surveys to document occupancy of historical sites and of sites identified by the model as being suitable for breeding by willow flycatchers.

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Occurrence and prevalence of chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in amphibian species of Alberta

Description

Infectious diseases are one of a suite of factors implicated in the declines and extinctions of amphibians worldwide. One such disease, chytridiomycosis, is caused by the chytrid fungus... More ≫

Description

Infectious diseases are one of a suite of factors implicated in the declines and extinctions of amphibians worldwide. One such disease, chytridiomycosis, is caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Chytrid fungus was discovered in Alberta in 1999 from necropsies of several specimens of boreal toads and northern leopard frogs collected near Caroline. In late 2006, a pilot-study was conducted to determine whether Bd was present at northern leopard frog sites in southern Alberta. The detection of Bd at multiple sites, and in a provincially Threatened species, led to the expansion of Bd surveillance to other areas of the province, and to other amphibian species between 2007 and 2010. The results, reported in this study, provide a base-line for the occurrence and prevalence of Bd in Alberta. This information is required for the effective conservation and management of a broad suite of amphibian species, many of which are of high conservation concern in Alberta.

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Sprague's pipit conservation management plan 2010-2015

Description

The Sprague's pipit is a small, ground-nesting songbird which, in Alberta, is found almost exclusively on native prairie. The bird is designated a Species of Special Concern in Alberta due to its... More ≫

Description

The Sprague's pipit is a small, ground-nesting songbird which, in Alberta, is found almost exclusively on native prairie. The bird is designated a Species of Special Concern in Alberta due to its large historic population decline and potential for continuing habitat alteration. This plan provides background information on the species and outlines a set of objectives and management actions to help meet the goals of returning Sprague's pipit populations to the mean abundance levels between 1980 and 1989, and conserving and maintaining remaining native prairie within the historic range of the species in Alberta. Conservation management plans are developed for Species of Special Concern in Alberta, to provide guidance for land and resource management decisions that affect the species and their habitat. They are intended to be a resource tool for provincial and regional fish and wildlife, land and resource management staff.

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Alberta piping plover recovery plan 2010-2020

Description

The piping plover, a small shorebird that breeds on sand or gravel beaches on the Atlantic cost, Great Lakes and Great Plains, is listed as Endangered in Alberta. In Alberta, piping plovers have... More ≫

Description

The piping plover, a small shorebird that breeds on sand or gravel beaches on the Atlantic cost, Great Lakes and Great Plains, is listed as Endangered in Alberta. In Alberta, piping plovers have been reported from at least 86 lakes in the southern half of the province. The goal of this recovery plan is to achieve a well-distributed, long-term average population of 300 individual piping plovers with their historical range in the province. The plan provides background information on the piping plover, describes the threats facing the species, outlines proposed strategies to address these threats, and presents an action plan that lists priority actions required to maintain and restore the species.

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Implementation of the Alberta piping plover recovery plan, 2005-2010 : final program report

Description

The piping plover is an endangered species in Alberta. In 2001, the Alberta Piping Plover Recovery Team was formed, and an inaugural recovery plan (2002-2004) was launched. An updated plan, with... More ≫

Description

The piping plover is an endangered species in Alberta. In 2001, the Alberta Piping Plover Recovery Team was formed, and an inaugural recovery plan (2002-2004) was launched. An updated plan, with similar goals, strategies and activities was drafted in 2005. These recovery plans describe a variety of actions necessary to achieve a provincial population of 300 adult birds, no net loss of breeding habitat in the province, and a median fledging rate of 1.25 chicks/pair/year. This report summarizes activities completed during implementation of the Alberta Piping Plover Recovery Plan 2005-2010, and sets the stage for a new recovery plan to be drafted in 2010.

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Habitat suitability index for the northern leopard frog in Alberta : model derivation and validation

Description

Alberta's northern leopard frog recovery plan identifies habitat modelling as an action item. A habitat model could aid in predicting location sites that support previously unknown populations and... More ≫

Description

Alberta's northern leopard frog recovery plan identifies habitat modelling as an action item. A habitat model could aid in predicting location sites that support previously unknown populations and as a tool in the assessment of reintroduction sites. In 2005, a detailed population survey was undertaken to document the distribution and abundance of current northern leopard frog populations in Alberta. That data provided background for a number of management and research initiatives listed in the recovery plan, and was instrumental in the development of the northern leopard frog Habitat Suitability Index (HIS) model, which is reported here. Two data sets were used to test the model and it was found that the model appears to have some predictive power. In hopes of locating new populations, the model will be applied in the 2010 northern leopard frog provincial survey, to target specific areas in sub-drainages that have received little attention in the past.

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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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Alberta northern leopard frog recovery plan 2005-2010

Description

The northern leopard frog, once locally abundant in the Grassland, Foothills and Parkland natural regions of central and southern Alberta and in the extreme northeastern region of the province, is... More ≫

Description

The northern leopard frog, once locally abundant in the Grassland, Foothills and Parkland natural regions of central and southern Alberta and in the extreme northeastern region of the province, is now listed as Threatened in Alberta. The goal of the recovery plan is to achieve well-distributed and self-sustaining populations of the northern leopard frog throughout their historical range in Alberta. The plan provides background information on the frog, describes the threats facing the species, outlines proposed strategies to address these threats, and presents an action plan that lists priority actions required to maintain and recover the species.

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