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Field Notes: Conserving Alberta's Wild Species
Biodiversity is the variety of life in a given area. Species at Risk are the most vulnerable components of biodiversity, and face complex challenges.
It takes time and effort to address complicated issues. It is a job that no one government, business or agency can implement and solve on their own. Challenges facing biodiversity and natural resources require cooperation, innovation and a sincere desire to reach out, understand and work with one another to find common ground.
Feature Story: Upper Red Deer River Special Bison Area
In August 2018, the Alberta government made a regulation change to the Alberta Wildlife Regulation identifying bison as a "Subject Animal" within an area called the Upper Red Deer River Special Bison area.
This was done to support Parks Canada's pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of reintroducing bison back into Banff National Park and provides bison in this area protection from unpermitted/unlicensed harvest or harm.
Where is the Upper Red Deer River Special Bison Area?
The Upper Red Deer River Special Bison Area is a 23,907 hectare (59,076 acre) area next to Banff National Park approximately 60 kilometres west of Sundre. It fully encompasses the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch and some of the area nearby. Aside from the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, no other deeded lands are included in the Upper Red Deer River Bison Special Area.
Why was developing the Special Bison Area necessary?
The Alberta government is supporting the efforts of Banff National Park to reintroduce bison by providing a buffer area where bison are protected, should they leave the reintroduction area, and until Parks Canada staff can redirect them back into the park.
What does subject animal mean?
Subject Animal is a category of animal established in Alberta's Wildlife Act and Regulation. It allows for the legal protection of any animal so designated, where that animal is currently of a status not otherwise protected.
Are there other areas like this in Alberta?
There are no other subject animal designations in Alberta. Wood bison in designated Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in northern Alberta are listed as Threatened under the Wildlife Regulation.
What do I do if I see a bison outside of the special bison area?
If you observe a bison outside of Banff National Park, call:
- Banff National Park Dispatch Line
Phone: 403-762-1470
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