Biodiversity

Alberta's diverse landscape and aquatic ecosystems support a wide variety of plants and animals. Thousands of species inhabit our mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, grasslands and many other ecosystems. These species range from the mighty grizzly to the humble prickly pear cactus and from the boisterous chickadee to the silent great grey owl. Even Alberta's urban areas have distinctive plants and animals.

This rich biodiversity is highly valued by Albertans. The province's many parks and natural areas are popular destinations for nature appreciation. Many species support important economic activities and lifestyles, such as fishing, hunting and forestry.

Alberta's growing human population and thriving economy have an impact on our native plants and animals.

In late 1995 the Government of Alberta committed to using the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy as a guide for conserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of biological resources. Among the goals of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy is this one:

"To conserve biodiversity and sustainably use biological resources."

Check out the environmental indicators for biodiversity for more information about this important aspect of Alberta's environment, and about progress towards this goal.