Habitat Conservation & Improvement

Agricultural lands and habitat

Even though land converted to agriculture has contributed to a reduction in native habitat, agricultural lands still play a positive role in conserving habitat and maintaining biodiversity.

Agricultural lands (almost 93% of the Prairie ecozone) and rangelands offer a variety of habitats for wildlife. Over the past century, the conversion of some wetland and wooded areas to agricultural land has reduced wildlife habitat. Nevertheless, the indicator of Availability of Wildlife Habitat on Farmland (part of AAFC's Agri-Environmental Indicator (AEI) Project) found that, with some exceptions, most wildlife "habitat uses" were supported by an increasing agricultural habitat area throughout Canada between 1981 and 1996. Under the recently announced Agricultural Policy Framework, AAFC will be working towards updating and improving these environmental indicators.

Wildlife habitat and biodiversity can be affected by agricultural practices. Some farm practices can enhance wildlife habitat and promote biodiversity. Habitat-friendly practices, such as rotational grazing, planting shelterbelts, planting forage on marginal croplands and managing riparian areas, not only affect habitat conservation but can also provide economic benefits for agricultural producers.

Related information

Designing tree plantings for wildlife
Protecting trees from animal damage
Tree and shrubs for wildlife habitat plantings
Wildlife habitat plantings on pivot corner
See also: Shelterbelt publications page
See also: Riparian area page
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Prairie Rangeland

Prairie grasslands support a great variety of plant and animal species.

Over 80% of AAFC-PFRA community pastures remain in native vegetation while the remainder has been seeded to forages. Seeded perennial forages also contribute to biodiversity values since they provide year-round vegetative cover which is a source of food and cover for many animals. Introduced plant species such as crested wheatgrass, Russian wild rye, and others are used extensively in the Prairie region. These species also provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

AAFC-PFRA Community pastures are maintained in "good" range condition (50-75% of the biomass is made up of original vegetation) in order to preserve both the productivity and biodiversity of grassland. Taller, more productive plant species dominate "good" condition rangelands. The goal of rangeland management is to maintain moderate levels of grazing since high intensity grazing or no grazing does not foster plant diversity.

Alien invasive species such as leafy spurge pose a problem in the prairie provinces. Leafy spurge is present on some prairie pastures and is a threat because it reduces ecological diversity and the carrying capacity for cattle. It poses a significant agricultural threat since the plant contains chemicals that are irritants to cattle and it invades native rangelands.

AAFC-PFRA monitors and controls the spread of leafy spurge, within the community pasture system. AAFC, through its Research Centres, conducts research on new and persistent alien invasive species. For example, studies in Brandon, Manitoba, on effects of sheep grazing versus the use of herbicide to reduce leafy spurge found that sheep provided excellent control, at lower cost than chemical treatments.