Prairie-chickens were once found throughout the grasslands of central North America, but their range and population have declined significantly over the past 150 years. Today, they are restricted to isolated pockets of habitat primarily in the Great Plains of the United States. But what about up north in the Canadian province of Alberta? Are there still prairie-chickens roaming the prairie grasslands there?
The Historical Range of Prairie-Chickens
The greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) is a medium-sized grouse species native to the grasslands of central North America. They were once abundant across the tallgrass prairies from Canada south to Texas. Two other closely related prairie-chicken species had more westerly distributions – the lesser prairie-chicken (T. pallidicinctus) in the shortgrass prairies, and the extinct heath hen (T. cupido cupido) in the eastern tallgrass prairies.
In Canada, the historical range of the greater prairie-chicken stretched across the grasslands of southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. They were found as far north as the Peace River region in northwestern Alberta. Though never as abundant as in the central United States, prairie-chickens still occupied extensive habitat across the northern Great Plains.
Causes of Population Decline
Starting in the late 1800s, prairie-chicken populations began to decline sharply due to multiple factors:
- Habitat loss from agricultural and urban development
- Overhunting
- Competition with livestock grazing
- Lack of proper habitat management such as prescribed burns
These forces extirpated prairie-chickens from the northernmost parts of their range first, before pressures increased further south. In Canada, prairie-chickens disappeared from Manitoba by 1880 and were rare in Saskatchewan by the 1930s. Small populations persisted longer in Alberta but continued declining throughout the 20th century.
Current Status in Alberta
Today, greater prairie-chickens no longer occur in Alberta. The last confirmed sighting was in 1987 near Hanna, Alberta. Despite extensive surveys of remaining grassland fragments, no birds have been detected in over 30 years.
In 2009, the Alberta government declared the greater prairie-chicken extinct in the province. They are now provincially endangered under the Wildlife Act. Reintroduction programs have been considered but not yet attempted.
A few factors led to the demise of prairie-chickens in Alberta:
- Widespread cultivation of native prairie for crops – over 60% lost since settlement
- Habitat fragmentation from oil and gas development
- Conversion of grasslands to tame hay and pasture lands
- Insufficient habitat protection and restoration
Small, isolated habitat patches could not sustain viable populations long-term, especially with competition from sharp-tailed grouse which use similar habitats.
Possibilities for Reintroduction
Several areas of southern and central Alberta still have extensive native grasslands with potential to support prairie-chickens again. The Alberta Conservation Association and Operation Grassland Community have evaluated potential reintroduction sites including:
- Canadian Forces Base Suffield National Wildlife Area
- Kennedy Coulee Ecological Reserve
- Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
Reintroductions have proven successful in some US states, butrequire substantial habitat restoration and management before birds are released. Adequate population monitoring and protection from overhunting are also key. If habitat needs can be met, reestablishment of prairie-chickens in Alberta remains possible.
Comparison to Other Provinces
The greater prairie-chicken now only persists in Canada in Manitoba, though populations there are still declining. Here is a comparison of their status across the Canadian prairie provinces:
| Province | Current Population Status | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Extinct since 1987 | N/A |
| Saskatchewan | Extirpated in 1930s | N/A |
| Manitoba | 750-900 adults in 2022 | Declining |
The greater prairie-chicken now occupies less than 3% of its original range in North America. Conservation efforts in the remaining habitats will be crucial to prevent extinction. For Alberta, reintroduction may offer the only path to restoring these iconic birds to the province’s prairie ecosystems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the greater prairie-chicken has been extirpated from Alberta since the late 1980s. Widespread habitat loss and degradation led to their eventual disappearance. Small pockets of suitable habitat remain for potential reintroduction efforts, but restoration and management are needed first. The future for prairie-chickens in Alberta remains uncertain, but conservation organizations are working to evaluate reestablishment options. With appropriate habitat and populations management, it may be possible to once again hear the booming calls of prairie-chickens on the Alberta grasslands.
