Alberta’s piping plover population remains at risk

The survival of piping plovers is still considered threatened in Alberta, as there are now less than a hundred remaining in the province. A finding that worries a wildlife specialist.

According to Lance Engley, biologist and special projects manager at the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), the situation can be explained, among other things, by current climate changes.

These strange or extreme weather events can impact any wildlife species, but in the case of plovers, it’s somewhat unique because of where they nesthe specifies.

This endangered species must constantly be wary of water levels during intense periods of rainfall.

They nest in very shallow waters, on vast beaches with gentle slopes. Therefore, when there is a high flood or heavy rain, their nest may be flooded or submerged. This is probably the biggest impact.

On the other hand, drought is also problematic, since it allows vegetation to gain ground.

We now have habitats where trees the size of my thigh are growing on the shores of lakes that previously had very good gravelly habitat. Today they are completely covered with vegetation. Without these wetter years, we end up losing these habitatsnotes the expert, who has worked in conservation for 25 years.

Precedents that bring hope

If the current situation is cause for concern, Alberta could nevertheless take inspiration from Nova Scotia’s efforts to reverse the situation. In 2023, the Maritime Province recorded more breeding pairs of piping plovers than the goal of 60 it had set.

By the mid-2000s, Alberta itself had seen their quantity recover, before it fell again in the following years.

And75 in the province at present. Their number is very low. We found a few yesterday, more than we expected. So this is a very positive sign”,”text”:”There are probably between 50 and 75 left in the province at present. Their number is very low. We found a few yesterday, more than we expected. It is therefore a very positive sign”}}”>There are probably between 50 and 75 left in the province at present. Their number is very low. We found a few yesterday, more than we expected. So this is a very positive signbelieves Lance Engley.

Also known by the scientific name of Charadrius melodusthe piping plover is found particularly in east-central Alberta, from Hanna to Provost and Wainwright.

With information from David Bell