Sensitive Species Inventory Guidelines

Wildlife managers are faced with a growing need for improved and consistent data on many wildlife species. There are several reasons for this:

• Human land-use activities are increasing across Alberta.
• Assessments of species' status require up-to-date information.
• Collecting more reliable data can help identify better and more effective ways to deal with the impacts of development on wildlife.
• Specialists demand rigorous and standardized protocols for wildlife surveys.

The primary focus of the Sensitive Species Inventory Guidelines is on the following:

• Species that are or may be at risk of extirpation
• Species that may require protection to prevent them from becoming at risk
• Other species of management concern found in native grassland and parkland areas

Guidelines

The guidelines include inventory protocols for a number of species at risk and several other species of management concern (e.g., salamanders, bats) from across the province.

Biologists with the Fish and Wildlife Division can provide additional information and guidance to investigators before surveys are conducted.

• Sensitive Species Inventory Guidelines  - Aug 2010 (74 pages)
• Point Count Sheet  - (1 page)

Amphibians

• Long-toed Salamander Egg Survey Data Sheet  - (1 page)
• Long-toed Salamander Minnow Trap Data Sheet  - (1 page)
• Northern Leopard Frog Survey Data Sheet  - (2 pages)

Birds

• Burrowing Owl Nest Burrow Data Sheet  - (4 pages)
• Burrowing Owls and Call Playback in Alberta  - Summer 2004(1 page)
• Draft Sensitive Species Inventory Guidelines for Prairie Raptors  - May 2008 (9 pages)
• Sharp-tailed Grouse Dancing Ground Survey  - Mar 2003 (1 page)

Mammals

• Handbook of Inventory Methods and Standard Protocols for Surveying Bats in Alberta  - Dec 2006 (71 pages)
• Standard Data Sheets for Bat Surveys in Alberta  - Nov 2000 (25 pages)
• Bats and Wind Turbines: Pre-siting and Pre-construction Survey Protocols  - May 2010 (13 pages)

Plants

• Rare Native Plant Report Form - Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre  - (2 pages)

Reptiles

• Short-horned Lizard Data Sheet  - (2 pages)
• Snake Den Survey Data Sheet  - (3 pages)

These guidelines will be expanded over the long term:

• To cover a broader array of species of management concern
• To cover landscapes found throughout the province

The protocols have been prepared and reviewed by species' experts in the province. These guidelines were developed for several audiences, including government staff, industry, consultants and other researchers.

The use of proven inventory methods will accomplish the following:

• Allow for province-wide consistency in data collection
• Facilitate comparison between surveys
• Minimize biases related to sampling techniques
• Provide data that more accurately reflect ecological patterns
• Provide data that more accurately reflect landscape-level changes in wildlife distribution and population trends across the province

Submissions

Following the completion of an inventory survey, we encourage all researchers and investigators to submit wildlife and fish data for entry into the provincial Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS).

Provincial biologists will use submitted data to enhance the management of sensitive species.

For more information on FWMIS, see:

• Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System

You can also contact your nearest Fish and Wildlife Division office. See:

• Fish and Wildlife Office Contacts

 

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Updated: Sep 19, 2011