Assessing Species at Risk in the Waterton Biosphere Region
Limber Pine – Photo by Jodie Krakowski/WPEFC
Southwestern Alberta is a hotspot for biodiversity in the province. Plants and animals typical of the prairies to the east interface with those from alpine and Rocky Mountain habitats. Similarly, species more often associated with northern Canada reach their southern limit in the area. Layering these the edge-of-range realities, unique habitat conditions, and landscape changes since settlement means that WBR hosts many species at risk.
We have been working on species at risk issues since 2015, though our approach differs slightly from others. We recognize the good conservation work already being done by others (e.g., addressing native trout recovery in headwater streams and on public lands) and instead seek to fill gaps in under-addressed species of concern or to amplify efforts to gain more traction on private lands.
Our SAR work primarily involves
- outreach and education
- species-specific monitoring
- financial or technical support for on-the-ground habitat stewardship projects.
For example, we present SAR-related content at youth education events, host workshops, contribute data to large-scale monitoring programs, and help landowners develop projects with positive impacts on SAR habitats.
What can you do to help SAR in Waterton Biosphere Region?
- Follow our social media and enewsletter for feature articles, upcoming workshops, and opportunities to get involved in citizen science monitoring
- Click on a species profile below to learn more about that species, stewardship practices, and our work
- Report your species sightings on iNaturalist
- Check out the SAR Action Plan for WBR
