Provincial government aiming to protect Alberta’s ferruginous hawk

Provincial officials say Alberta’s species at risk recovery plans help establish a basis for cooperation among government, Indigenous communities, industry, conservation groups, landowners and other stakeholders to ensure at-risk species and populations are restored or maintained to their former glory.

Under the original plan, the ferruginous hawk population has slowly stabilized and shown signs of increasing. However, the bird remains endangered, and an updated approach is needed if Alberta hopes to see a long-term recovery, note provincial officials.

Through the new plan, officials say Alberta’s government and partners across the province will work to protect and support the hawk’s habitats, nest structures and prey needed to survive. Other important steps will also be taken in the coming years, say provincial officials, including reducing human disturbance at nest sites and limiting the impacts of predators.

“Ensuring grasslands are maintained for species like ferruginous hawks is crucial,” adds Brad Downey, senior biologist, Alberta Conservation Association. “These hawks are often embraced by landowners as a natural means to help control ground squirrel numbers, with many encouraging the endangered species to establish a nest on their land. Continued support and collaboration from landowners, along with society’s desire to see ferruginous hawks thrive, provides a promising future for this and other species as long as we maintain intact grasslands.”

“Since 2008, AltaLink has proudly been an active member of the Alberta Ferruginous Hawk Recovery Team and contributed to the development of the recovery plan,” notes Nikki Copeland, senior environmental advisor, AltaLink. “Through our own avian protection plan, AltaLink proactively works to mitigate the potential impact that our facilities can have on all avian species. This has included funding ferruginous hawk research and contributing materials and resources to construct nesting platforms. We are pleased with the approval of the recovery plan and look forward to continuing our efforts to support the recovery of this species.”

The government says this recovery plan was developed with input from Indigenous communities, industry, conservation groups and other stakeholders that have played vital roles in recovery efforts for Alberta’s ferruginous hawk population.

Alberta government quick facts

Most ferruginous hawks are pale below with a rusty orange back, but some are dark brown with a contrastingly lighter tail.
Ferruginous hawks require open habitat, including grassland, shrub-steppe or desert, typically nesting on elevated features such as trees or nest platforms. Its primary predators are great-horned owls; however, nestlings may be susceptible to predation by golden eagles, coyotes, badgers and foxes, among others.

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by rdnewsNOW staff

Provincial government aiming to protect Alberta’s ferruginous hawk

Alberta government quick facts

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