Researchers from the Royal Saskatchewan Museum have completed a comprehensive study on urban wildlife in the Regina area. Utilizing 28 monitoring stations throughout the city since autumn 2021, the researchers gathered images and audio recordings of 143 bird species and 15 mammal species. Notably, Canada geese and white-tailed jackrabbits were frequently observed, with the American mink being the least common species.
Ryan Fisher, the museum’s curator of vertebrate zoology, emphasized that the primary objective of the project is to assess the impact of urbanization on wildlife. Despite urban development, Fisher noted that Regina boasts ample green spaces for its size, creating a corridor from northwest to southeast Regina.
The research revealed a diverse range of species inhabiting suburban areas, where natural habitats intertwine with human-made structures, supporting various bird species. Additionally, moose were detected on the outskirts of the city. This study coincides with recent findings indicating an increase in moose presence around Saskatoon.
Katie Harris, a PhD candidate at the University of Saskatchewan and co-author of the Saskatoon moose study, highlighted a significant rise in moose sightings within the city limits over the three-year monitoring period. Harris pointed out a notable incident involving a moose that broke into Sylvia Fedoruk School, underscoring the escalating interactions between humans and wildlife in urban settings.
Furthermore, a recent study co-authored by Alex Filazzola from Western University suggested that Canadian cities may witness the arrival of numerous new animal species by 2100 due to climate change. Filazzola’s research indicated that warmer urban environments on the Prairies could attract cold-sensitive species, potentially expanding the wildlife diversity in cities like Winnipeg.
Jordan Rustad, involved in the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s wildlife project, emphasized the importance of designing cities to accommodate both wildlife and humans harmoniously. Rustad, who leads the Bird Friendly Regina committee, highlighted the threat posed by free-roaming cats to birds and stressed the need for responsible pet ownership to mitigate this risk.
Harris emphasized the critical role of green spaces in supporting urban wildlife, suggesting that enhancing existing green areas with diverse vegetation is essential. Implementing wildlife-friendly measures such as proper fencing and reducing light pollution can further aid in creating a conducive environment for wildlife within urban settings.