Fauna
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Fauna is a collective term for the animal life of a
particular region. With Alberta's wide variety of
natural regions, there are lots of different kinds of
animals. Each species of animal has had to adapt to live
in its particular region.
Many
species can be found in the extensive Boreal Forest
region, including the Beaver. With its multitude of
trees, this region is perfect for Beavers, who rely on
wood for food and to build their home. The Beaver is one
of the few mammals that alters its environment to suit
its needs. A Beaver builds dams in running water to
create deep pools of water, where the Beaver can remain
active beneath the ice in winter. Beavers are also well
adapted to working in water: they have thick layers of
fat to protect them from cold water, and valves allow
them to close their ears and nostrils when submerged.
The Parkland region is the most
densely populated region in Alberta, and the fauna of
the region have had to adapt to human alterations to
survive. Trumpeter swans, however, are one species whose
numbers have dwindled with the increasing human
presence. Nesting sites for Trumpeter Swans are few in
Alberta, as the Swans will not nest on lakes that have
been disturbed by recreational activities. Classified as
a vulnerable species in Alberta, their population has
increased due to careful management of their nesting
habitats.
The Coyote is one of Alberta’s most
plentiful mammals. Commonly found in the Grassland
region, which has largely been converted for
agriculture, the Coyote has adapted well to changing
conditions. Coyotes can eat almost anything, including
carrion, eggs, small mammals and birds, breed at an
early age and they have a high reproductive output.
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