Wildlife Challenges in dryland agriculture

The Special Areas provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species, many of which coexist with farming and ranching operations.

However, certain species can cause economic and ecological challenges:

Common Wildlife-Related Issues:

Proper wildlife conflict management balances agricultural productivity with conservation goals.

Preventing Crop and Pasture Damage from Wildlife

Damage to fields and grazing lands can result in significant economic losses. The following techniques help mitigate these risks:

1. Fencing and Physical Barriers

Fencing is one of the most effective methods to prevent wildlife from damaging crops or pastureland.

• Electric fencing: Best for keeping out deer, elk, and other large mammals.
• High-tensile fences: Effective against elk and cattle incursions but expensive.
• Underground wire or mesh: Helps prevent burrowing animals like badgers or gophers.

Costs & Considerations:

2. Scare Tactics and Deterrents

• Noise deterrents: Propane cannons, predator calls, and motion-activated alarms can scare off deer, elk, and birds.
• Visual deterrents: Reflective tape, scarecrows, and flashing lights work against birds but lose effectiveness over time.
• Guard animals: Dogs (e.g., Great Pyrenees) effectively deter coyotes and even deer from pastures.

3. Crop Rotation and Habitat Modification

• Avoid planting high-value crops (e.g., canola, peas) near known wildlife corridors.
• Maintain a buffer zone with less palatable crops to reduce attractiveness.
• Control nearby brush and tall grasses that serve as cover for deer and smaller mammals.

4. Controlled Hunting & Population Management

• Legal, regulated hunting can help manage deer and elk populations.
• Farmers and ranchers can apply for damage prevention permits under Alberta wildlife regulations.

1.1.6 Livestock Protection from Predators

Predation is a serious issue, particularly for ranchers grazing livestock in open pastures.

1. Livestock Guardian Animals

Using livestock guardian animals is a cost-effective, non-lethal way to deter predators.

Advantages:

• Reduce predation by up to 85% in open-range environments.
• Require training but integrate well into ranch operations.

2. Predator-Proof Enclosures

• Night corrals: Bring sheep and young calves into secure paddocks overnight.
• Fladry (flagged electric fencing): Temporary measure effective against wolves.
• Proper carcass disposal: Prevents scavenger attraction.

3. Lethal Control Measures

• Only used as a last resort in extreme predation cases.
• Trapping & shooting regulations apply in Alberta—farmers should consult with Alberta Fish & Wildlife.
• Poison bans: Strychnine is prohibited due to risks to non-target species.

Working with Conservation Programs

Certain species in the Special Areas, such as burrowing owls, ferruginous hawks, and swift foxes, are at risk and require conservation-friendly management.

Burrowing Owl Conservation

Burrowing owls in Alberta have experienced significant population declines, largely due to habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and changes in land management practices. These small, ground-dwelling owls rely heavily on burrows created by mammals such as gophers and badgers for nesting and shelter. However, as cultivated land expands and predator control programs reduce the populations of burrowing mammals, suitable nesting sites have become increasingly scarce. Additionally, the conversion of native prairie to cropland, the widespread use of pesticides, and increased road development have further threatened burrowing owl populations. Given their role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect and rodent populations, conserving these owls is not only an environmental responsibility but also beneficial for landowners and agricultural producers.

One of the most effective ways to support burrowing owl conservation is to preserve natural burrows. These owls do not dig their own burrows but instead rely on existing ones. When land is cleared for development or heavily tilled for farming, these burrows are often destroyed, leaving the owls without critical nesting and sheltering sites. Farmers and ranchers can help by avoiding unnecessary tilling or deep-plowing in areas where burrowing owl nests are known to exist. Additionally, minimizing the removal of gophers and badgers can help maintain an adequate supply of natural burrows. For example, leaving portions of land undisturbed, particularly near native grasslands or pastures, ensures the owls have access to suitable nesting sites each breeding season.

Another important strategy is to implement wildlife-friendly grazing systems that support the short-grass prairie ecosystems where burrowing owls thrive. Overgrown grasslands or areas with excessive shrub cover can make it difficult for owls to spot predators, reducing their ability to survive. Grazing livestock in a way that mimics natural disturbance patterns—such as rotational grazing or moderate stocking rates—helps maintain the open, low-vegetation landscape that burrowing owls prefer. Ranchers who balance livestock needs with habitat conservation can create an environment where both cattle and wildlife can coexist. For example, deferring grazing in key areas during the owl breeding season (May to July) can provide additional nesting protection while still allowing for productive pasture use later in the season.

Farmers and landowners can also take an active role by participating in conservation programs designed to support burrowing owl recovery efforts. The Alberta Burrowing Owl Recovery Plan (2012-2017) and other conservation initiatives offer guidance, financial incentives, and technical assistance to those interested in preserving burrowing owl habitats. Programs such as the MULTISAR (Multiple Species at Risk) initiative provide landowners with management strategies that balance agricultural productivity with wildlife conservation. Some landowners have also successfully installed artificial burrows, which serve as an alternative nesting option in areas where natural burrows are limited. Research has shown that these artificial burrows can significantly improve breeding success, particularly when combined with predator control and habitat management.

By adopting these conservation practices, landowners and agricultural producers can play a crucial role in helping burrowing owl populations recover. Maintaining burrows, using responsible grazing strategies, and engaging with conservation programs not only benefits the owls but also contributes to the overall health of prairie ecosystems. With cooperative efforts, it is possible to support both sustainable land use and the survival of this unique and ecologically important species.

By integrating these practices, landowners play a pivotal role in the recovery and sustainability of burrowing owl populations in Alberta.

By integrating these practices, landowners play a pivotal role in the recovery and sustainability of burrowing owl populations in Alberta.

Engaging with conservation incentives offers Alberta's farmers and ranchers valuable opportunities to enhance environmental stewardship while receiving financial and technical support. Several organizations provide programs tailored to promote sustainable agricultural practices and habitat conservation.

The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) administers the Conservation, Community, and Education Grants program, which funds projects aimed at conserving wildlife, fish populations, and their habitats. This initiative supports non-research endeavours that encourage activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and outdoor education, all integral to Alberta's conservation efforts. By participating, landowners can secure resources to implement practices that benefit both agriculture and local ecosystems.

AB Conservation

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) offers several programs to assist landowners in wetland conservation. Their Restore Wetlands Program provides financial incentives for the restoration of drained or altered wetlands. Participants can choose between a one-time payment of $2,000 per acre for a 10-year lease or opt for a conservation easement, receiving 100% of the fair market value of the restored wetland acres. Additionally, DUC's Marginal Areas Program targets less productive farmland, offering upfront incentives through 10-year agreements to help establish perennial cover, thereby enhancing land sustainability and biodiversity.

Ducks Unlimited

Ducks

The Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) program provides financial assistance to producers implementing habitat-friendly practices. This includes funding for projects like installing wildlife-friendly fencing and adopting grazing systems that protect critical habitats. By aligning agricultural operations with conservation goals, SARPAL supports the recovery of species at risk while promoting sustainable land use.

Furthermore, the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program collaborates with farmers and ranchers to enhance ecosystem services on agricultural lands. ALUS offers funding—covering up to 85% of project costs—for initiatives that improve the natural environment, such as establishing riparian buffers or creating wildlife habitats. Participants may also receive annual payments of up to $75 per acre for lands dedicated to producing environmental benefits, recognizing the ongoing stewardship efforts of landowners.

By engaging with these programs, Alberta's agricultural community can play a pivotal role in conserving natural habitats, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land management practices, all while receiving support to integrate these initiatives into their operations.

In Alberta's Special Areas, many farmers and ranchers have embraced integrated land use strategies that harmonize agricultural productivity with ecological stewardship. One such approach is the implementation of rotational grazing systems, which involve systematically moving livestock between pastures. This practice not only promotes optimal forage utilization for cattle but also supports the health of native grassland ecosystems, fostering biodiversity and enhancing soil quality.

Government of Alberta

To further balance agricultural needs with wildlife conservation, the adoption of low-impact fencing solutions has proven effective. Traditional fencing can impede wildlife movement and fragment habitats; however, wildlife-friendly designs—such as modifying fence height, using smooth wires, and adjusting wire spacing—facilitate the safe passage of species like pronghorns and deer. These modifications help maintain essential wildlife corridors while safeguarding livestock and delineating property boundaries.

AB Conservation

Collaboration with conservation organizations is another cornerstone of sustainable land management in the region. Initiatives like MULTISAR (Multiple Species at Risk) exemplify partnerships between landholders, government agencies, and conservation groups. Through this program, stakeholders work together to develop and implement strategies that conserve habitats for multiple species at risk, ensuring that economic viability and ecological integrity go hand in hand.

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By integrating these practices, land managers in Alberta's Special Areas not only enhance the resilience and productivity of their operations but also contribute significantly to the preservation of the province's rich biodiversity.

Climate change is profoundly impacting Alberta's Special Areas, characterized by rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events. These changes pose significant challenges to the region's agricultural practices and ecological balance.

Temperature and Precipitation Changes

Projections indicate a notable rise in average temperatures across Alberta, leading to warmer growing seasons. While total annual precipitation may not change significantly, the distribution is expected to become more erratic, with a higher likelihood of intense, short-duration rainfall events. This variability can exacerbate soil moisture deficits, increasing the risk of drought conditions. The Alberta Climate Information Service provides historical and near-real-time data to assist farmers and ranchers in adapting to these changing conditions.

Government of Alberta

Shifts in Growing Season

The anticipated temperature increases are likely to alter the timing and length of the growing season. Warmer conditions may lead to earlier springs and extended falls, potentially benefiting some crops. However, these shifts also pose risks, such as mismatches between crop development stages and water availability, and increased vulnerability to late spring or early fall frosts. Farmers may need to adjust crop selection and management practices to navigate these uncertainties.

Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events

The region is experiencing a rise in extreme weather events, including hailstorms, flash floods, and wildfires. In 2024, Canada faced a record C$8.5 billion in insured losses from weather-related incidents, with Alberta significantly affected by severe hailstorms and extensive flooding. These events not only cause immediate damage to crops and infrastructure but also have long-term economic implications for agricultural producers.

Reuters

Adaptation Strategies

To mitigate these challenges, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices is essential. Strategies include implementing efficient water management systems, selecting drought-resistant crop varieties, and enhancing soil health to improve moisture retention. Additionally, integrating agroforestry and diversifying crop rotations can bolster resilience against climate-induced stresses. Collaborating with local conservation organizations and utilizing available climate data can further support informed decision-making and sustainable land management.

By proactively embracing these adaptive measures, Alberta's Special Areas can better navigate the complexities of a changing climate, ensuring the sustainability of both agricultural productivity and the natural ecosystems integral to the region.

In Alberta's Special Areas, integrating traditional land stewardship practices with modern agricultural methods offers a pathway to sustainable land management. Indigenous peoples have long employed techniques such as controlled burns and rotational grazing to maintain healthy ecosystems. Cultural burning, for instance, is a land management practice that demonstrates Indigenous peoples' deep understanding of fire's role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

KT Alberta

Similarly, historical dryland farming practices like fallowing and contour farming have been utilized to enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion. These methods emphasize resilience and sustainability, aligning with contemporary goals of ecological stewardship.

canadacommons.ca

By learning from these time-honored techniques, farmers and ranchers can develop integrated land use strategies that balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation. This approach not only honors traditional knowledge but also contributes to the long-term health and resilience of the land.