Partners
Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
Opportunity
Wolverines are scarce, elusive and notoriously difficult to study. Working in a collaborative partnership, Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures took a lead role in developing a novel research and monitoring technique that includes non-invasive genetic tagging and visual identification. The protocol involves the snagging of wolverine hair for the purpose of DNA analysis, and images collected by remote cameras. A collaboration that illustrates the value of the integrated design of the Alberta Innovation system, three organizations contributed to the development of a monitoring protocol assessing Alberta’s wolverine population. The new protocol allows researchers to collect data on the species in their natural habitat, with minimal disturbance.
Status
Monitoring the impact of urban and industrial developments on wildlife populations is difficult. Recognizing detailed knowledge of the wolverine population and distribution was not available, AITF undertook the first comprehensive study of wolverines in the province. Study results suggest there may be a relationship between industry activity and wolverine density. The data collected serves as a solid foundation for future research on Alberta’s wolverine population and becomes part of the body of science available to inform and support Alberta wildlife policy makers.
This story is also available as a downloadable PDF.