What does the indicator show?
The indicator shows that populations of trumpeter swans in Alberta have increased over the past half century. At the same time, the number of lakes being used by the swans as breeding habitat has also increased. Because populations are still relatively low, ongoing protection and management are required to sustain existing populations.
How do we compare?
Alberta's trumpeter swan populations make up approximately 30% of the Rocky Mountain population. The Grande Prairie/Peace River region accounts for about 61% of the Alberta population's habitat. Alberta trumpeter swans are part of the Rocky Mountain population (Alberta, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, northeastern British Columbia). This population consisted of over 3,200 birds in 2000. The expansion of breeding flocks experienced in Alberta made up a substantial portion of the increase in the Rocky Mountain population. The Pacific Coast population, which was only discovered in the 1950's, makes up the largest component of the North American population.
Populations of Trumpeter Swans by Geographic Area
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Why is this indicator important?
Trumpeter swan populations are linked to how Albertans manage land and water resources. Populations are affected by a wide range of factors including: shortage of winter habitat, shortage of breeding habitat, disturbances in breeding habitat, hunting, and collision with power lines. Managing these issues has been ongoing for many years. For example, hunting of trumpeter swans has been illegal since 1918. However, trumpeter swans are sometimes mistaken for tundra swans. In parts of the United States, legal hunting seasons exist for tundra swans.
Recreational use of lakes affects the breeding of trumpeter swans, as well as adjacent intensive land use. However, the populations of trumpeter swans in Alberta (and elsewhere) have shown an increase in the past half-century. This is mainly the result of extensive protection and management related to this species. The trumpeter swan is still classified as "at risk" under Alberta's Species at Risk rankings, and "Threatened" under Alberta's Wildlife Act. However, trumpeter swans are ranked "not at risk" elsewhere in Canada, and not listed under the Endangered Species Act in the United States.
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What actions are being taken?
Alberta has undertaken many initiatives related to protection of trumpeter swan populations. These initiatives include land use regulations near trumpeter swan lakes, re-introducing trumpeter swan breeding flocks to Elk Island National Park, and public education activities. Because Alberta trumpeter swans winter primarily in the tri-state area (along the Snake River of Idaho), pressure on these wintering areas limits the expansion of the populations. Efforts are being undertaken to develop alternative wintering destinations for Alberta populations.
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