Alberta is home to thousands, if not millions, of wildlife species that make the province unique. Think of the first time you may have encountered a white-tailed deer, a bighorn sheep or a bear: These moments are often pivotal in fostering a deep sense of responsibility towards our neighbours that do not have a voice.
Policies and actions protecting wildlife are linked to safeguarding Alberta’s lands and waters. Any decision that introduces or increases human impact on the landscape affects wildlife welfare. In our conservation campaigns focusing on land use such as coal mining, forestry, and oil sands tailings, analyses of wildlife habitat and range provide evidence for what is at stake for Alberta’s wildlife.
Species at Risk in Northern Alberta
As of 2020, Alberta lists 128 species that hold either a sensitive, may be at risk, or at risk status. You can look through the Government of Alberta’s Wild Species Status Search to explore the status of several species. Through the Federal Government’s Species at Risk public registry, there are over 200 species that are listed as extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern in Alberta.
CPAWS Northern Alberta focuses its conservation efforts on the protection of woodland caribou, wild wood bison, migratory birds and native trout. This is not to say that our chapter does not work towards the increased conservation of other species at risk; these species of focus are based on sustained threats to their habitat and recovery efforts.
Woodland Caribou
Caribou can be found in nearly every province and territory in Canada. Decades of disturbance within and near caribou habitat have brought their numbers dangerously low in Alberta. Habitat protection and recovery are key to the species' survival in the province.
Wild wood bison
Bison nearly disappeared from Alberta’s landscape and until recently, wild wood bison were still considered livestock and not wildlife. Thanks to massive conservation efforts (many from Elk Island National Park and Indigenous Nations) bison have been reintroduced to the landscape.
Migratory Birds
Native Trout
Alberta is home to three native trout species: the Athabasca rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout, who are listed as threatened or of special concern. Habitat for Alberta’s native trout, in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains, faces increased disturbance, with the largest threat being new coal mine development and exploration.
The Twin Crises
Climate Change
Tools to Protect Alberta’s Wildlife
There are several tools at our disposal to ensure the protection and recovery of species in Alberta.
Threats to Alberta’s Species
Habitat Disturbance
Human and natural disturbances that alter or destroy species habitat. Many human disturbances forever alter the landscape making it incredibly difficult for restoration.Fragmented Habitat
Just like us, wildlife needs the ability to move freely to get from “Point A to Point B”, which is why interconnected and continuous natural areas are so important. These “ecological corridors” allow species to travel safely. Roads and seismic lines are examples of features that dissect wildlife habitat and alter ecosystem functioning, such as influencing predator-prey dynamics and competition.Invasive Species
Invasive species include flora or fauna introduced to the landscape that now outcompete, or harm, native species. This can lead to an overall decrease in biodiversity in ecosystems.Cumulative effects
Species often face a multitude of threats within their habitat. Over time, these effects are compounded, creating dire conditions for wildlife. There is only so much activity, i.e.) forestry, wildfire, oil and gas exploration, recreation, urbanization; a landscape can sustainability support.Climate Change
Species often face a multitude of threats within their habitat. Over time, these effects are compounded, creating dire conditions for wildlife. There is only so much activity, i.e.) forestry, wildfire, oil and gas exploration, recreation, urbanization; a landscape can sustainability support.Learn More
Bison in Alberta
The reintroduction of bison on Alberta's lands is a story of community and conservation success. Yet, wild bison occupy a fraction of the land they did many years ago. CPAWS Northern Alberta focuses on conservation and restoration measures for the species.
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Move conservation forward in Alberta.
Lasting protection for nature and wildlife in Alberta doesn’t happen overnight (although we wish it did)! Your donation fuels our fight for nature. Donate to support CPAWS Northern Alberta’s conservation efforts.