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Version 1.3 | Updated: 2024-11-04 Wetland Atlas of Alberta

Summary of wetland distribution in Alberta, human footprint pressures, and research spotlights on biodiversity

Wetlands Silhouette

Wetland Atlas at a Glance

The Wetland Atlas describes the distribution of wetlands in Alberta and summarizes human footprint around open water wetlands. Also included are research spotlights on wetland biodiversity including: aquatic invertebrates, wetland-associated mosses, amphibians, and plants. This first edition of the Atlas represents the state of the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute's (ABMI) wetland knowledge to date, and highlights research with partner organizations including InnoTech Alberta and Ducks Unlimited Canada. We envision future editions will bring wetland data together from various wetland data providers and practitioners.

Introduction to the Wetland Atlas of Alberta

Background about wetlands in Alberta and a summary of contents in this report.

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Wetlands in Alberta

2.0 Wetlands in Alberta

Summary of wetland area—overall and by wetland type—across Alberta and in three selected regions. Wetlands of ecological significance are highlighted, along with descriptions of the most common wetland types in each of the three regions. A summary of regional patterns in wetland water balance is also presented.

2.1 Distribution of Wetlands in Alberta 2.2 Wetlands in the Forested Region 2.3 Wetlands in the Prairie Region 2.4 Wetlands in the Mountain Region 2.5 Regional Patterns in the Water Balance of Alberta's Wetlands

Pressures on Wetlands in Alberta

3.0 Pressures on Wetlands in Alberta

Summary of the area of human footprint around open water wetlands by natural region in Alberta. Research on how plant functional traits influence wetlands' resistance to invasion by two non-native terrestrial plants species. A study examining the effects of agriculture and climate change on prairie wetlands is also introduced.

3.1 Human Footprint Surrounding Wetland Health Monitoring Sites 3.2 Linking Wetland Plant Functional Traits to Disturbance 3.3 Effects of Agriculture and Climate Change on Prairie Wetlands

Biodiversity in Alberta's Wetlands

4.0 Biodiversity in Alberta's Wetlands

Summary of regional patterns in aquatic invertebrate abundance, richness, and diversity. Assessment of the status of amphibians and a summary of a new method to detect them. The status of mosses associated with wetland habitat is also presented. 

4.1 Aquatic Invertebrate Diversity 4.2 Status of Amphibians 4.3 Methods Spotlight: Amphibian eDNA 4.4 Status of Wetland-associated Mosses

Conclusion & Next Steps

Summary of key findings in this report and next steps.

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Butler Stock Photography

Wetlands cover

21.7%

or over 143,000 square kilometres of Alberta

Find out more about wetland distribution and wetland type by geographic region

We are grateful for the support of the ABMI's delivery partners.

We would like to acknowledge the organizations and sponsors highlighted below who financially supported the development of this report.