Researchers from the Royal Saskatchewan Museum have been conducting an urban wildlife project in the Regina area, documenting numerous animals. Utilizing 28 monitoring stations spread throughout the city since the autumn of 2021, the researchers have captured images and audio recordings of 143 bird species and 15 mammal species. Among the most commonly recorded species were Canada geese and white-tailed jackrabbits, while the American mink stood out as the rarest species according to the project findings.
Ryan Fisher, the museum’s curator of vertebrate zoology, highlighted that the project aims to explore the impact of urbanization on wildlife. He noted that despite the urban development, there has not been a significant impact so far due to ample green spaces within the city. Fisher emphasized the interconnected green corridor spanning from northwest to southeast Regina that supports diverse wildlife habitats.
The research revealed that various species, particularly birds, were thriving in suburban regions where natural environments coexist with human-made structures. Additionally, moose sightings on the city outskirts were noted. This study aligns with a recent discovery showing an increase in moose presence around Saskatoon, as reported by Katie Harris, a PhD candidate at the University of Saskatchewan.
Harris stated that monitoring stations recorded 60 moose within Saskatoon’s city limits between September 2020 and September 2023, with numbers rising from eight to 29 over the study’s three years. She cited an incident in 2021 where a moose broke into Sylvia Fedoruk School as an example of escalating human-wildlife interactions in urban settings. Harris suggested that the surge in moose sightings could be attributed to the attraction of urban green spaces.
A separate study forecasts a potential rise in urban wildlife across Canadian cities by 2100 due to climate change effects. The study predicts an increase in animal species migrating to urban areas, influenced by changing climate conditions. Cities in the Prairies, being warmer than surrounding rural regions, may witness an influx of cold-sensitive species, extending their habitats due to longer growing seasons.
Jordan Rustad, a researcher involved in the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s project, emphasized the importance of designing cities to accommodate wildlife-human coexistence. Rustad, who leads the Bird Friendly Regina committee, highlighted the prevalence of free-roaming cats in Wascana Park, posing a threat to birds. Encouraging responsible pet ownership, such as keeping cats indoors or supervised outdoors, can mitigate this risk.
Furthermore, experts stress the significance of preserving and enhancing green spaces within cities by incorporating diverse vegetation to support wildlife habitats. Implementing wildlife-friendly measures like fencing and reducing light pollution can aid in safeguarding urban biodiversity. Prioritizing the conservation and enhancement of green areas is crucial for fostering a harmonious environment for both wildlife and city residents.