Did you know that more than 60,000 species have found some place to dwell in Alberta? The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute conducts world-class monitoring of more than 2,000 of these species and their habitats. Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) reviewed the status of 5,235 of Alberta’s plant and animal species in 2010. To find the general status of these species, visit AEP’s searchable database at Wild Species Status Search. For help in identifying species in Alberta, check out AEP’s Wild Species web pages.
Alberta has an amazing variety of wild species. However, some of these species are at risk of disappearing from the province. These species at risk are the most vulnerable components of Alberta’s biodiversity and require special attention to maintain and recover their populations. Learn more about Alberta’s species at risk and some of the wildlife conservation efforts currently underway.
If you find injured or orphaned wildlife, what should you do? Alberta is fortunate to have a number of wildlife rescue organizations. You can find a list of these organizations, as well as a number of things you should know about injured or orphaned wildlife here.
Learn more about Nature Alberta’s Birds and Biodiversity Program.
The first definitive guide to Alberta’s mammals was written by Dr. J. Dewey Soper, a federal wildlife officer, more than five decades ago (1964.) While The Mammals of Alberta is no longer in print, a few hard copies can still be found in second-hand book stores.
In the province, Alberta Environment and Parks is responsible for managing wildlife, including mammals, through administration of the Wildlife Act. Learn more about Alberta’s mammals on the Ministry’s web pages.
The Fishes of Alberta (Paetz and Nelson 1992), available from the University of Alberta Press, is a great place to start learning about Alberta’s fish species. For a list of and more information about Alberta’s fish species you can also check out AEP’s fish web page.
Amphibians are older than the dinosaurs. In fact, they were the first group of vertebrates to bravely set out on land some 350 million years ago. All other terrestrial vertebrates — from dinosaurs to humans — owe their existence to the amphibians. Long before humans and other mammals appeared on the earth, reptiles were the dominant species. In fact, they were the first vertebrates (animals with backbones) to live entirely on land, having evolved from amphibian ancestors more than 250 million years ago. Learn more about Alberta’s amphibians and reptiles.
The Alberta Native Plant Council promotes knowledge and conservation of the native plants and vegetation of Alberta. Also, through the Alberta Plantwatch Program, you can contribute vital information for the conservation of Alberta’s plants by reporting when certain plants bloom and leaf out in spring.
Ever notice how many different types of mushrooms there are in Alberta? The Alberta Mycological Society is an active club that studies mushrooms and other fungi in the province.
With more than 20,000 species in the province, insects are a huge field of study in Alberta. A good place to start is with the moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) and the Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild (ALG). ALG is a non-profit society made up of amateur and professional lepidopterists who coordinate research projects, facilitate the exchange of information among members, and host events where people can collect and look at Lepidoptera and exchange information and ideas. Another good resources is Bugs of Alberta by John Acorn, available for purchase from Lone Pine Publishing.
