The Manitoba government is further enhancing and modernizing the way it assesses wildlife populations as part of ongoing efforts to conserve valued wildlife species across the province.
“Protecting Manitoba’s wildlife is an important part of protecting our natural environment for generations to come,” said Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses. “By harnessing the potential of modern technology and innovative new methods, the Manitoba government can collect better data in a more efficient manner to support the critical work of sustainably managing our wildlife populations.”
New advances in survey methods can facilitate the efficient collection of reliable survey data while reducing costs and safety risks, noted the minister.
The Manitoba government collects a variety of information to help manage species such as moose, elk and deer in the province. Aerial population surveys is one method, which has traditionally been conducted by government staff on a helicopter, focusing on a single big game species.
The 2024 aerial surveys will use innovative technology including solar powered long-range drones and infrared cameras. Infrared cameras detect the heat signatures of mammals, providing an effective way to collect data for multiple wildlife species. Using this innovative technology will allow staff to survey multiple populations at one time, including deer, moose, elk and caribou, the minister noted.
This population data is important for informing wildlife conservation and management decisions including the designation of moose conservation closure areas, the allocation of hunting opportunities and the management of threats to wild populations such as Chronic Wasting Disease and invasive species. Manitoba is actively reviewing co-management opportunities with Indigenous Nations for wildlife health, collaring and survey programming.
Manitoba continues its commitment in collaborating with Indigenous governments and other interest holders to ensure the sustainable management of wildlife provincially, noted the minister.
