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.