Species in the East Kootenay

The East Kootenay region of British Columbia was the testing ground for the Biodiversity Atlas Pilot.

The loss and degradation of habitat as a result of human activities continues to be the leading cause of decline for many fish and wildlife species in the East Kootenay. Of the 270 plant and animal species that are rare, endangered or threatened, 35 are fish and wildlife species: 11 red-listed; 22 blue-listed and two yellow-listed.

The loss and degradation of habitat as a result of human activities continues to be the leading cause of decline for many fish and wildlife species in the East Kootenay.

Conservation efforts by a wide range of government and non-government organizations are being focused on the unprotected habitat in the East Kootenay

As a result, extensive conservation efforts by a wide range of government and non-government organizations are being focused on the unprotected habitat in the East Kootenay. These organizations are involved in research, monitoring, enhancement and restoration projects on Crown land and land stewardship initiatives and land acquisition on private lands.

Acquiring conservation properties (link to EKCP text below) is a key tool to offset the accelerating loss of habitat.

By integrating species databases and habitat types into one on-line resource, the Biodiversity Atlas provides a resource for information about species and habitats in the East Kootenay Pilot Project area.

Learn more about Species in the East Kootenay

• Badgers
• Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
• Great Blue Heron
• Elk
• Least Chipmunk
• Lewis Woodpecker
• Moose
• Mountain Caribou
• Mountain Goat
• Mule Deer
• Northern Goshawk
• Northern Leapard Frog
• Western Painted Turtle
• Red-tailed Chipmunk
• Sharp-tailed Grouse
• Townsends Big-eared Bat
• White Tailed Deer
• Yellow Pine chipmunk

Species Maps

• Badgers
• Chipmunks
• Elk
• Lewis’ Woodpeckers
• Rocky Mountain Sheep
• Ungulate
• Other Species

Offsite Maps

• Conservation Data Center
• Conservation Data Center Maps

Species Facts:

• The East Kootenay area supports a wide range of plant, wildlife and fish species.
  
• The Biodiversity Atlas includes data on terrestrial – land-based
• species.
  
• Increasing human development in the region, including fire suppression, urban expansion, cattle ranching, and recreation resort construction, is pushing these species to the margins of existence.
  
• For example, the sharp-tailed grouse has been extirpated and badgers are considered endangered.
  
• Very few areas of these species' habitat in the region are protected within the park system.
  
• Many private landowners, stakeholder groups and private citizens are concerned about the impact that human activity is having on sensitive species and their habitats.
  
• This movement is being motivated by sound science and a commitment to work together towards common goals to make a difference.
  
• For example, until recently, many East Kootenay golf courses perceived ground squirrels and badgers as vermin to be exterminated. Now several golf courses are not only refraining from killing these wildlife populations on their properties, but are promoting their facilities for the wildlife viewing opportunities they offer!