NCC to conserve critical habitat for endangered sage-grouse mars 13, 2024

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is announcing a new initiative to conserve important habitat for Alberta’s endangered greater sage-grouse.

The urgency of sage-grouse conservation

Greater sage-grouse, a large bird found in grassland regions of southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, is one of Canada’s most imperilled species.

Designated as endangered under Alberta’s Wildlife Act and Canada’s Species At Risk Act, sage-grouse are suffering from extensive habitat loss, among other threats. Since the late 1960s, their numbers have plummeted by over 90 per cent and their current distribution now covers less than 10 per cent of their historic range. Conserving remaining sage-grouse habitat is essential for their survival in Canada.

Maintaining sage-grouse habitat

Sagebrush Flats, a 635-hectare (1,569 acre) property located southeast of Medicine Hat, is part of NCC’s efforts to conserve Canada’s disappearing Prairie grasslands, one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. NCC is currently fundraising to purchase this property, as part of their Prairie Grasslands Action Plan, to conserve it in perpetuity while maintaining it as rangeland for local ranchers.

Conserving Sagebrush Flats holds critical significance for the survival of sage-grouse, as this area provides essential habitat for this endangered species. The property is situated among vast stretches of intact grassland, including adjacent Crown land, maintaining a connected landscape vital to Alberta’s remaining sage-grouse populations.

The conservation of Sagebrush Flats will complement adjacent conserved lands, which include NCC conservation agreements, further enhancing habitat connectivity and resilience of this large grassland ecosystem. This project, alongside efforts by other conservation organizations, is intended help ensure the long-term viability of sage-grouse populations in the region.

Helping sage-grouse benefits entire ecosystems

The significance of conserving Sagebrush Flats extends beyond sage-grouse. The property lies within the Sage Creek Important Bird Area, providing crucial habitat for numerous grassland bird species, one of the fastest declining groups of birds in Canada. Additionally, the property is home to other at-risk species such as burrowing owl (endangered), loggerhead shrike (threatened) and American badger (special concern). This area includes important habitat and movement corridors for pronghorn, a sensitive species in Alberta.

Building on habitat restoration measures

Another way NCC is working to help sage-grouse is by restoring habitat within its range.  Through the Bell-Sage-Grouse Legacy Project, NCC acquired a conservation site within prime greater sage-grouse habitat. This 65-hectare property, once a fallow agricultural field, is undergoing rigorous restoration efforts in collaboration with other organizations. This effort has involved planting native species such as sagebrush and native grasses, controlling weeds, and mitigating threats such as human structures used by predators.

How people can help

NCC’s Prairie Grasslands Action Plan represents an unprecedented opportunity for Canadians to contribute to conservation efforts. By rallying support, NCC aims to conserve over 500,000 hectares by 2030, a substantial area crucial for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health. Your involvement will make a meaningful difference in securing the future of Canada’s grasslands and the species that depend on them.

To support the Prairie Grasslands Action Plan and aid in the conservation of vital habitats like Sagebrush Flats, visit lesprairies.ca . Those looking to support this project directly may contact alberta@natureconservancy.ca.

Citations

“If we do not act to conserve our disappearing Prairie grasslands, we risk losing iconic species like the sage-grouse. Through ambitious conservation initiatives like Sagebrush Flats, we have an opportunity to secure a brighter future for these incredible ecosystems and the wildlife calling them home.” – Tom Lynch-Staunton, Regional Vice-President, Nature Conservancy of Canada

À propos

Conservation de la nature Canada (CNC) est la force rassembleuse au pays pour la sauvegarde de la nature. Par la conservation permanente de vastes territoires, CNC apporte des solutions à la double crise du déclin rapide de la biodiversité et des changements climatiques. Partenaire de confiance, CNC œuvre aux côtés de particuliers, de collectivités, d’entreprises et de gouvernements afin de protéger et veiller sur nos aires naturelles les plus importantes. Depuis 1962, CNC a mobilisé la population canadienne pour conserver et restaurer plus de 15 millions d’hectares. Pour en savoir plus : conservationdelanature.ca.

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