Keeping Alberta grasslands connected is key to biodiversity

Alberta producers play an important role in maintaining grasslands and wildlife habitat, according to new research highlighted by the Beef Cattle Research Council.

In a recent article, BCRC Science Director Dr. Reynold Bergen examined how continued conversion of pasture and forage land to crop production could impact biodiversity and landscape connectivity across Alberta. The article draws on research led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Tim McAllister and collaborators from several academic and research institutions.

The study used Alberta as a case study to evaluate how cultivation of tame and native pastureland on Class 2, 3, 4 and 5 land could affect biodiversity across the province’s major natural regions. 

According to Bergen, the concern is not only the loss of grasslands themselves, but also the loss of “connectivity” between remaining natural areas.

“A pasture can be cultivated in hours, but it takes years to re-establish one,” Bergen wrote.

“Canada’s beef producers play a vital role in preserving Canada’s natural spaces, providing key habitat and travel corridors connecting healthy populations and ecosystems.” 

The article notes that Alberta’s Grassland region still retains nearly 85 per cent of its original connectivity compared to conditions before widespread cultivation. However, if remaining pasture on Class 2 through 5 land were converted to crop production, researchers estimated that roughly two-thirds of the remaining grassland could be lost. 

In the Parkland region, the study found that only about 55 per cent of original connectivity remains today because of historical clearing and cultivation. Further expansion of crop production into remaining pastureland could significantly reduce that connectivity even more. 

The Foothills region was also highlighted as an important refuge for biodiversity displaced from other areas of the province. 

Bergen noted that while agriculture is only one factor affecting biodiversity, maintaining land in forage and pasture remains an important “nature-based solution” that supports wildlife habitat and ecosystem health. Other pressures mentioned in the article include urban development, highways, reservoirs and industrial expansion. 

The full article, “Home on the Range,” and related podcast is available on BeefResearch.ca.

View a summary of the research here: